Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1944-01-09
Congress Opens
Tomorrow 10
Face Big Issues
Taxes and Subsidies
Among Problems
Waiting Decisions
BY J. A. O'LEARY.

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lat noon tomorrow. prepared tt
plunge into a variety of subjects
affecting the millions in the
armed forces, along with the tau
and food subsidy bills.
While waiting for President
Roosevelts message, for which ne
date has been announced, commit.
tees will go to work Immediately or
bills to let servicemen vote in this
years election, to provide muster.
ing out pay, social security benefits
and educational allowances for re-
turning veterans.
Election Will Enliven Debates.
The November national election
Will have tendency to eniiven de-
pate on all major issues during the
coming months.
Whether the returning lawmakers
will attempt TO deal with labor and
manpower problems on the home
front was an uncertain factor last
night. In any event, they probably
Will wait to see whether the Presi-
dent makes any recommendations
on the subject in his message.
Enc opening day in the Senate
is expected to be confined to for
mahties of reconvening. including
appointment of the usual committee
TO notify the President the Con-
gress has assembled and is ready
for business.
+ II the Presidents message is de-
-layed for several days the Senate
Will proceed Tuesday with the 81
27o,O0000O tax bill, but with an
agreement postponing for week
the main fight over the narrowing
down Of the war contract reneeo-
tiation law.
A calendar packed with impor-
tant measures-many of them high
ly controversial-will furnish Con-
gress with one of its liveliest ses-
sions. Among them are:
l. Soldiers discharge pay - the
Senate has passed a bill providing
mustering-out pay ranging from
$500 to $500, dependent upon length
OF service. The House Military AT
fairs Committee is expected to act
on the bill this week, with a lower
scale generally anticipated.
2. Subsidies-the up-again-down-
again issue OF consumer subsidies
will return to plague the lawmakers
IN February. A compromise, limit
ing their use, is possible.
Strikes Poise Problem.
3. Labor-Strike threats have pro.
duced demand of uncertain
strength in Congress for legislation
to tighten the Antistrike Act to
prevent interruption of war pro-
auction. 1t may bring renewed
consideration of national service
legislation.
4. Food-The Republican Con-
gresslonal Food Study Committee
and majority of the House Agri-
culture Committee are plugging a
Dill to give single administrator
control over prices. production and
distribution of food.
D. Foreign relief-The House For
elgn Affairs Committee plans to
send to the floor within 10 DAYS a
measure to provide for financial
participation by this country in the
work of the United Nations Relief
and Rehabilitation Administration
b. Business in peace-A detailed
study will be undertaken by con.
gresslonal committees during the
year in preparation for the return
OF industry to civilian production
Less Spending Expected.
I. Spending-The Flow of appro-
prlation measures will start late this
month. Spending bills last veal
amounted to approximately sl14..
600 100000; probably will amount to
less this year as result of a belt
Tightening economy program and a
lessening of capital OUTLAWS for wal
production.
8. Price control-Long the target
OF congressional criticism. the Of
flce OF Price Administration will ex-
piTe June 30 unless the act under
which it was created is extended
Inc issue is expected to produce one
OF the hottest battles of the year.
y. Army-A plan to create reser-
volr OF military strength as a safe
guard against future wars will be
placed before Congress later in the
year. Representative Wadsworth
Republican, of New York has a bill
calling for compulsory one years
military training for all able-bodied
males between the ages of 10 and 81