Evening star., 1938-02-19
CONGRESS SPEEDS
R00SEVE[TPLANS
Leaders Hope to Adjourn
Early in May-Senate
Friendly on Relief.
BY the Associated Press

6y tne Associated PreSS.
Congressional leaders, determined
to make this short, productive ses-
sion, concentrated today on Fastening
action on President Roosevelt's !egis-
lative program.
The leaders and most members were
hopeful of adjournment early in May.
Many of the lawmakers were anxious
to get back home and look after their
election-year political interests.
The faster tempo of Congress the
last two weeks heartened leaders.
Action was completed on one major
bill, the new agricultural adjustment
measure. and several others moved
substantially nearer enactment.
The Southern filibuster against the
anti-lynching bill has held up Senate
progress. However, Senate leaders
said the measure would be laid aside
Monday. The Senate is to start
work then on the House-approved
$3.50 100000 deficiency relief appro-
priation, reported out yesterday by
the Appropriations Committee
Action on other measures may fol-
low with comparative rapidity.
Message Eagerly Awaited.
In connection with the desire for
early adjournment, members awaited
with considerable interest Mr.. Roose-
velt's projected message on revision of
the antitrust laws. There were re-
ports in informed quarters, however,
that this might not ask actual revision
at this session, but merely request q
congressional study Of desirable
changes.
Work on the farm bill. the Presi-
dents No. ! request in his message
of January 3. was completed Monday.
and the measure was signed into law
two days later.
1t was the answer Of Congress to
Mr.. Roosevelt's request for legislation
to assure a balanced agriculture
He asked also for . bill to "end
starvation wages and intolerable
hours" in industry.
A bill providing for a maximum
work week Of 40 hours and 40 cents
an hour minimum wage won Senate
approval in the special session, but
was blocked, chiefly by Southern men,
bers. IN the House.
Chairman Norton Of the House La
Dor Committee reported this week that
"compromise" measure was in for
nation. II probably will be brought
up when the House has finished work
on major appropriation bills, task
at which it has made rapid progress.
Reorganizing Plans Favored.
Administration spokesmen said there
was no doubt the Senate would ap-
prove legislation to permit the Presi-
dent to reorganize the administrative
structure of the Government. How
ever, some of the same Senator's who
defeated Mr.. Roosevelt's court reor-
ganization bill year ago have opposed
some provisions of this bill
They objected chiefly to a proposed
change in the Governments account
ing system which would give the Pres
ldent control Of auditing Federal ex-
penditures before they were made.
At present the officer making pre-
audits is responsible only to Congress.
The measure probably will come up
In the Senate about the middle of next
week.
The controversial tax revision bill
written by q Ways and Means Sub
committee may reach House consider
alton about the same time. The meas
ure modifes levies which business
spokesmen have contended are hinder
ing recovery.
Mr.. Roosevelt's recommendation for
. huge naval expansion program, esti-
mated by naval authorities to require
q total outlay Of $l,050 900, 900, also
may be reported by q committee next
week.