Evening star., 1948-07-26
ActionUncertain
On D. T.. Bill at
Special Session
Dirksen Is Anxious
To See House Finish
Work on Suffrage
By Don S. Worren

Action on District bills at the
extra session of Congress is yet to
be determined, House and Senate
Republican leaders made clear to-
day.
At press conference Immediately
preceding the opening OF the House
and Senate sessions, discussion OF
the legislative program was inter-
rupted by a Washington reporter
who wanted to know when the
House would take up "the unfin-
ished business-the Washington
Home Rule Bill"
A quick burst of laughter from
the large gathering OF correspond
entS greeted this oft-asked question.
Speaker Martin smilingly replied
that this question would have TO
be treated like the rest.
Chairman Dirksen of the House
District Committee is anxious to
see final House action on the suf-
frage bill, which calls for an elected
city council. The bill weathered
major tests when considered in the
House late in the last session but
there was no final vote and it re-
mains on the calendar as unfinished
business.
Sponsors Hopes Rise.
Hopes of sponsors of the bill were
increased when both the Republl-
can and Democratic conventions at
Philadelphia included in their party
platforms planks favoring self gov
ernment Tor the District.
Mr.. Dirksen has asked Speaker
Martin whether the leadership will
permit the bill to be taken up at
this session. All major decisions,
the leaders said today, were being
deferred until after President Tru-
man places his legislative program
before Congress.
The same situation applies to the
District revenue bill, passed by the
House and now awaiting action on
the Senate calendar. 1t provides
for two per cent retail sales tax
combined with high bracket per-
sonal income levy.
When considered in the closing
hours of the last session in the
Senate it was stymied by f1libuSter
by Senator Johnston, Democrat, OF
South Carolina.
Cain Withholds Plans.
Senator Cain, Republican, of
Washington, head of the fiscal sub
committee of the Senate District
Committee, hopes for an early
Senate decision on the bill but
today was withholding plans to give
the Senate leadership time to
formulate Republican strategy.
On this score, Chairman Dirksen
said he may introduce bill to pro-
vide for a Treasury loan to the
District to meet impending deficits
this fiscal year should Senate ac-
ton fail on the pending tax bill.
Involved in the revenue question
Is whether and how the cost-of-
living pay raise granted Federal
employees and small percentage of
District government workers can be
extended to the large body of city
employees.
Senator Cain has taken a stand
that no pay raises can be granted
to the remainder of District work.
ers until adequate revenues are
provided. Unless some new rev.
enue is found, the only way pay
raises could be financed, outside of
a Treasury loan, is another increase
in the District tax rate, officials say
Dirksen to Cali Meeting.
Chairman Dirksen plans to call
a meeting of the House District
Committee within a few days, as
soon as the Republican leadership
has had time to chart the course
of the special session.
From a Senate source 1t was in
dicated that the President intends
to send up tomorrow or Wednesday
some nominations which were not
acted upon at the regular session.
They would include the nomination
of Edward A. Tamm as associate
justice of District Court
But no action is expected on the
nominations since Republican lead
ers are represented as believing they
disposed of all the urgent nomina-
tions at the regular session.
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