Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-12-04
new LEGISLATION
IN VOL j N { IS
CONGRESS- TASK

bers of the 6Sth Congress assembled
today for a session which, in the
opinion of leaders, will write much
political as well as legislative history.
There appeared to be more than the
usual hustle after the nine months
luli. Hundreds of bills and resolu-
tons were ready for introduction in
both houses.
While Congress must devote itself
primarily to the passage of the an
nual appropriation bills, leaders fore
saw a Multiplicity of subjects to be
dealt with Among these are taxa
ton, the soldiers bonus, veterans
legislation, immigration, prohibition,
the railroad and agricultural situa-
tons, the world court proposal, gov
ornamental reorganization and the
Muscle Shoals project.
Some elements in both the House
and Senate still contend it would be
unwise to tamper with the tax
statutes, while others are determined
to make bold fight for revision. In
the latter class are those who agree
with Secretary Melons plan, and
those who do not accept his views,
but believe there should be changes
to lift and Shift the tax burden. Any
legislation dealing with the revenue
law will first be handled by the
House Ways and Means Committee,
which also will have original juris-
diction over a soldiers bonus bill.
Secretary Melons warning that
passage of q bonus measure not only
would prevent a reduction in taxes,
but likely would result in heavier
taxation during ensuing years, has
served to develop a sharp difference
of opinion in both Senate and House
of tiprr ,oI1
legislation. Supporters of the bonus
program, however, are firm in their
insistenCe that it must be disposed of
at this session.
The inquiry of the special Senate
committee into the Veterans bureau
affairs is expected to result in legis-
lative action designed to make that
agency more efficient and to better
the lot of the disabled former SER
vice man.
AS regards the railroad situation,
one element in Congress is expected
to oppose any effort to amend the
transportation act. which in the
opinion of most railway executives,
should stand as it is. Other groups,
however, have served notice that they
will support moves to compel con-
solidation of carriers, repeal section
l5A of the act which provides for
fair" return to the roads, abolish
the Railroad Labor Board, restore to
state commissions Jurisdiction over
state rates or to make additional
changes in the law.
The farm bloc is expected to make
a determined effort to provide relief
for the farmer, and a wide range of
cultural ills undoubtedly will be put
forward. Copied with this program
1T is expected that a demand will be
made for action on Muscle Shoals,
Southern members of Senate and
House intend to press for acceptance
of Henry Ford's offer for the project.
Chairman Madden of the House APP
preparations Committee has prepared
a bill to provide for the construc-
ton of steam power plant to re-
place the one sold to the Alabama
Power Company.
Expiration of the present immigra-
ton law will make action on that
question imperative. The House
immigration Committee has begun
work on a proposed new law.
1t is expected that during the ses-
sion the international situation will
come to the fore on more than one
occasion, especially in the Senate,
which was asked by the late Presi-
dent Harding to sanction participa-
ton by the United States in the
World Court.
Domestic issues that are expected
to engage much attention include
prohibition, proposals to limit the
powers of the Supreme Court,
forestation and the question of en-
bracing more banks in the Federal
Reserve system.
An element of uncertainty is in
Jected because of the scant MAORI
ties of the Republicans in the Sen
ate and House. Party leaders admit
the danger that Republicans who are
members of the Progressive bloc will
swerve from the administration on
various propositions, thus, perhaps,
jeojardizing the majority's program.
Under no statutory requirement to
adjourn March 4, the session, Sem
ators and Representatives generally
predict, will continue we'll into next
summer. A determined effort will
be made to obtain adjournment be-
fore the Presidential conventions in
June. but some leaders think it more
likely that the end will not come I'M
til just before the November cleo
ton.