Evening star., 1948-01-04


into World War II, stands in danger
of being seriously shaken or ever
abandoned.
The Truman administrations
foreign policy, for the present. Il
embodied in the Marshall plan fol
the recovery of 16 Western European
nations. Basically, it Is founded or
resistance to the world expansion ol
communism by Russia's Soviet gov
ernment and the Red army. Thi.
Marshall plan, the first four-yeal
program on a vast scale ever pro.
posed for the American people, il
tied in closely with major domestic
issues. So closely that these domestic
issues will without doubt have theil
direct effect upon Congress actor
on the Marshall plan itself.
Taxes a Big Factor
For example, upon the adoption
and execution of the Marshall plan
d
$1,000, ,000, 900 for European recovery
over a period of four years, will de.
pend whether the people of Amer.
lea can have a cut in their present
heavy burden of taxation. Further
the Governments purchase and dis
tribution Of food and other greatly
needed commodities-among them
steel these European nations con-
tinue to foster high prices and in
flation in this country. This brings
a demand by the Truman admins
tration for the reimposition OF many
controls-among them price control
It means a return to bureaucratic
interference with the everyday lives
of the. American people-all growing
utvof this great gamble for world
peace. And world peace is, pre-
sumaply, to come about when Russia
has been finally convinced she Is
not powerful enough to force her
ideas and form of government on
Europe. Asia, Africa and the Amer
icas.
Literally the whole sequence OF
issues arising out of this determina-
tion to spend billions of dollars to
help Western Europe oppose strong
front against Russian aggression
threatens to bog Congress down.
Certainly these issues will drive the
Republican dominated Congress and
the Truman administration farther
and farther apart.
Here are some of the principal
problems which Congress will be
asked to tackle on its return after
the Christmas holiday.
Formidable Lineup
l. The Marshall plan.
2. The Knutson bill for reduc-
ton of Federal income taxes-re-
lieving the taxpayers of some
S5,500,e00,OoG payments.
8. Further legislation to curb price
and wage increases. 1t is obvious
that one cannot be controlled with
out the others also being con-
trolled.
4. Universal military training,
urged by President Truman as a
necessary step for adequate national
defense and supported by many Re-
publicans as we'll as Democrats.
S. The housing shortage-and
legislation making available FEEDER
al funds and other aids for the in
creased production of housing.
6. Federal aid to education-in all
parts of the country.
7. The antipoll tax bill-whieh
has already been put through the
House and awaits action by the
Senate. And a companion piece
an antidiscrimination bill, more
popularity known as FEPC.
8. A new farm programme as
sure farmers adequate prices and
proper conservation of their soil re-
sources.
9. The annual appropriation bills,
which make available dollars for
carrying on the Government of the
United States and carrying out the
projects which have been authorized
by Congress.
Truly a formidable array. Be-
yond a, doubt, other important mea-
sures will come knocking at the door
of Congress, including extensions of
social security and Federal aid to
national health.
All of these subjects Congress will
be asked to pass upon within the six
month period from January to June,
inclusive. With the Republican
National Convention due to open In
Philadelphia June 81, the Republican
leaders are expected to do their best
to adjourn Congress by that date.
"A few weeks later, the Democrats
will meet in Philadelphia, too, in
national convention, to renominate
President Truman, to provide him
with a running mate and to write
the Democratic Partys national
platform. They, also will go along,
in all probability, with plans for an
early adjournment of Congress.
Full Hearings Planned
Tremendous pressure will be
brought to bear both for and against
the Marshall plan as presented to
Congress in bill form by President
Truman. Chairman Vandenberg of
the Senate Foreign Relations Com
mittee has announced he will start
full and searching hearings on the
bill January 7, the day after Con-
gress convenes. Senator Vandenberg
Is firmly convinced that this
cotintry must halt the Communist
spread over western Europe. How
ever, he believes the details of this
aid program will be given the closest
scrutiny before Congress is finally
asked to turn over these huge funds
10 be used abroad.