Evening star., 1942-01-21
War Powers Bill
Wins Backing Of
Senate Group
Omnibus Measure
Expands U. S. Rights
In Many Fields
BY ]. A. O'LEARY.

panding the Governments au-
thority under numerous statutes
to speed up the war effort, was
reported favorably by the Senate
judiciary Committee today.
Foremost among its provisions are
penalties for the enforcement OF
priorities and broader presidential
power to take over machinery when
necessary for national defense, even
though it Is in actual use and es-
sential to the operation of the fac
tory.
Shortly after the bill had been re-
ported. Senator Connally, Democrat,
OF Texas, revealed he Is considering
offering as an amendment on the
floor his anti-strike bill, which
would enable the President to take
over any plant tied up by labor
trouble. He indicated, however, he
wanted to confer with other Sena-
tors before deciding definitely.
In the three days Of consideration
of the measure the committee added
several new sections, one of which
eliminates the use Of nickel In the
coinage Of the scent piece. Another
gives the Government the right to
inspect and audit from time to time
the plant and books of any defense
contractor.
Senator O'Mahoney, Democrat. of
wyoming, chairman of a subcom-
mittee in charge Of the bill. ex-
planned few further minor changes
made today.
Concurrent Resolution Repeal.
The only serious controversy that
developed in the final committee
session was over a clause reserving
to Congress the right to terminate
any of the powers granted before
the end Of the emergency by pass
age of a concurrent resolution,
which does not require signature OF
the President.
Senator Murdock, Democrat, Of
Utah failed in a move to strike this
out. He contended that under the
Constitution o regular legislative
act, passed by both houses and
signed by the President, Is required
to amend or repeal 4 previous act
of Congress.
Other committee members, led
by Senator Connolly, opposed its
elimination. This concurrent-reso-
luton method Of retaining in Con-
gress the power to withdraw powers
given the President has been adopt
ed by Congress in other recent cases,
such as the Government Reorgani-
zation Act.
1. C. C. Power Extended.
The omnibus bill also:
Gives the Interstate Commerce
Commission the same emergency
powers over motor bus and truck
carriers il already has over rail-
roads to facilitate transportation for
national defense.
Confers on the Navy Department
the same power already possessed
by the War Department to take i'm
mediate possession Of land end other
real property, pending lengthy con-
demnation proceedings. This is ex-
pected to be- useful in expanding
shipyards more rapidly.
Enables Federal Reserve banks to
buy Government securities directly,
instead Of in the open market. This
is to assist in maintaining stable
market for Government securities.
Gives legislative sanction to the
waiver Of navigation inspection laws
during the war.
Amends the Hatch clean politics
law to make 1t possible for persons
who are connected with local politi-
cal committees throughout the
country to serve as afraid wardens
or In similar defense capacities.
Aid for Raid Wardens.
Makes it possible for the United
States Employees Compensation
Commission to apply its benefits to
air raid wardens, or similar VOL
unteer, in case they are injured in
line Of duty.
Revives q World War statute
allowing free postage to the armed
forces who are on foreign service.
Simplifies the procedure by which
aliens who join the armed forces
may become citizens.
Allows the Treasury to accept
voluntary gifts, whether outright or
conditional. At present such gifts
must be unconditional. Senator
OMahoney said the Treasury Is
receiving an increasing number of
gifts Of money with the request 1t
be devoted to building a bomber or