Evening star., 1947-06-29
Bill TO ''SireamIine
Federal Departments
On Way TO Truman
By Gould Lincoln

Having already "Streamlined" IT.
self through the 1916 Congressional
Reorganization Act, Congress has
taken steps through the Brown
Lodge bill to begin a comprehensive
"streamlining, of the executive
branch of the government.
The Brown-Lodge bill, creating
Commission on Organization of, the
Executive Branch OF the Govern
ment," is on its way to the White
House after passing the House and
/ Senate without a dissenting vote.
Both Democratic and Republican
leaders in Congress believe Presi-
dent Truman will approve it.
| If and when he does. the way will
be open to bipartisan study of serv-
ices, activities and functions of all
Government departments and agen-
cieS. The commission to conduct
the study will be equally representa-
tive of both political parties. Its
membership will include members
of both houses of Congress, officials
of the executive departments, and
public representatives.
High Type Appointees Emphasized.
Representative Brown, Republi-
can, of Ohio. one of the sponsors of
the bill, said yesterday it is impor-
tant that men of the highest type
and ability be appointed to the COM
mission, so that everyone will have
confidence in ivs findings.
The commission is to be set up as
follows; four members appointed by
the President, two from the execu-
tive branch of government and two
from private life; four members ap-
pointed by the president pro tenn
pore of the Senate, two from the
Senate and two from private life;
four members appointed by the
Speaker of the House, two from the
House and two from private life. 1t
is expressly provided. that in each
class of members, from public and
private life, Democrats and Re-
publicans shall have equal repre-
sentation.
The bill, which was sponsored In
the Senate by Senator Lodge, Re
publican, of Massachusetts,, passed
the House on Thursday, and the
Senate on Friday.
After an exhaustive study of the
various agencies of the executive
branch of the Government, the pro-
jected commission would recommend
changes designed to end overlap
ping activities and functions, and
promote more economic handling OF
governmental business.
Huge Growth Noted.
The executive branch of the Gov
ernment has grown enormously in
the last few decades. Thirty years
ago the number of executive estab-
lishments of the rank of bureau is
reported to have been 1853 In 1882,
the number had increased to 521.
and by 1914, to 1,141. At the same
time the number of civilian en-
ployes of the Government increased
almost fantastically. In 1916 the
number of civilian Government en-
ployes was 438,057; in 1886, 824 ,259,
and in 1916. 2,766,165. The Govern
ment payroll for these employees is
now approximately ~S6,250,0o0, 600 q
year.
81 The recommendations of the COM
mission may be translated into law
Through action of Congress, or the
President might put them in effect
by executive order subject to disap-
proval by either branch of Congress.
Under the Brown-Lodge bill the
commission must make it's report to
Congress within 10 days after con-
vening of the 8lst Congress in jan
uary, 194e It's life will expire within
80 days after its report has been
made.