Evening star., 1950-11-16
The PoEticofMM
Wants to Give Congress
Summer Breathing Spell
Toft Proposes Hot Weather
Recess Until October
By Gould Lincoln

Senator Robert A. Taft, chairman Of
the Republican Policy Committee of the
Senate, has proposal to make to the
congressional leaders when they get
back to Washington-a proposal that,
il adopted, would give the legislators
three-month breathing spell in the
summer in each year. There's too much
sitting around Washington in the heat,
in the opinion of Mr.. Taft. His plan
would be to run Congress from January
until July 10, then recess or adjourn
until October TO- and return to finish
up work for the year between that date
and Christmas.
The LaFollette- Monroney Act for legis-
lative reorganization looks to complet-
ing the work of Congress by July 81
each year and adjourning sine die. But
it hasn't worked out that way, and Con-
gresS has droned on and on through the
hottest days of the year. Mr.. Taft's pro-
posal would change all that. Further,
II Congress can get the annual appro-
priation bills out of the way more
promptly, Mr.. Taft foreSees a possibility
OF adJourning the second session of each
Congress IN time to make it unnecessary
to come back to Washington after the
national political conventions-in presi-
Dental election yearS-and after July
10 in the so-called "off years" when
there are only congressional elections.
To Push Appropriations.
II the country is at war, such a pro-
gram would not probably be possible, Mr..
Taft admits. But he can see a great
deal of good out of it in more normal
times. OF course, not only would the
Republicans have to fall in with the idea,
but also the Democrats. But Mr.. Taft
sees no good reason why the Democrats
should oppose the summer recess plan.
He is impressed with the need, however.
that the appropriation bills be disposed
of more promptly. The money to run
the Government must be made available
or should be-in his opinion, by the
close of the fiscal year. June 80. The
omnibus appropriation bill, tried for the
first time this year, is regarded in Senate
circles as success, although it has it's
enemies in the House.
One Of the greatest problems which
will confront the new Congress when it
meets in January, according to Senator
Taft. is the reduction of expenditures so
as TO help meet the mounting costs of
rearmlng this country and aiding other
Iree nations to rearm. There seems little
cnance Tor new government projects
even such projects as Federal aid to edu-
catlon-under the drastic economy pro-
gram now foreseen. The Presidents call
Tor an additional 81 billion in revenue
from an excess profits tax, coupled with
INDICATIONS that the individual income
tax Is to be still further increased, make
IL clear that Congress should not feel
Justlf1ed to embark on new and costly
civilian projects. But that is not all,
Ihere must be large reductions in ex-
penditures for activities already under
way by the Government.
Problems of Policy.
While the Republicans were fortunate
In the last elections and none of the
party leaders in either the Senate or
the House were defeated, many problems
of policy and procedure must be consid-
cred and ironed out. The coming 'Iame
duck" session of the 81st Congress, be-
ginning November 81, will afford them
an opportunity to discuss these problems
IN advance OF the opening of the S2d
congress IN January. If the Republicans
are to show united front in the new
Congress, it is essential that agreement
be reached.
presumably the Republican organiza-
ton in both Houses will not be changed,
SO far as leadership is concerned. In the
House Representative Martin of Massa-
chusetts will continue as minority leader.
with Representative Arends of Illinois
as whip. Senator Taft will remain as
chairman of the policy committee-so
far no revolt against him such as occur
red at the opening of the present Con-
gress is in sight. Senator Wherry of Ne
braska is expected to continue as floor
leader. and Senator Millikin of Colorado,
who won reelection, will remain as
chairman of the Republican Conference
OF the Senate. Perhaps the so-called
liberals in the Senate will demand
greater recognition in the Republican
organization.