Evening star., 1955-08-05
|Rayburn Ba|ks
AT Possibility Of
Special Session
Eisenhower Lists
9 Issues in Posing
Congress Move
~ 0UrAnU
BY J. A. OLEARY

Speaker Rayburn took a dim
view today of President Eisen-
hower's action in leaving the
door open to a possible special
session Of Congress to deal with
domestic issues.
The Speaker, who would have
much to say about what Con-
gress would do If it was called
back, reflected the viewpoint of
other Democrats who were avail
abfEfor comment.
Mr.. Eisenhower praised Con-
gress for its bipartisan cooper
alton on foreign policy, but said
it would be futile for him to say
the past session was as success
full as it should have been on the
domestic front.
Is Subjects Cited
The President reached into his
pocket and again pulled out the
list of 13 major subjects he said
in June Congress should deal
with before it went home.
He pointed out that only four
of the 13 got through and said
that, of the remaining nine, Con-
gress should deal promptly when
it returns with the school con-
struction, highway. health and
water resources bills.
Although the President en-
phasized he has made no decision
about a special Fall session. he
also said: Il have not by any
manner of means dismissed the
possibility that one might be
needful."
He also commented that "a
special session is a rather critical
and serious thing and expensive
thing"
Reporters INDUCED in their
regular fencing match with the
President about whether he will
run next year, but with no bet
ter results than in the past. Mr..
Eisenhower said that if he could
fofetell the state of foreign and
domestic affairs, and could see
how his health would be a year
from now there would be no
excuse for deferring his decision
about seeking a second term.
But he hastened to add that he
does not possess the gift Of
prophecy.
Advantage Seen
Some political observers be-
lieve the administration might
reap some political advantage
from a special session in the fall.
If such a session passed any
of the four major bills the Pres
ident mentioned. Republicans
would take the credit for an
early decision. If a special ses-
sion marked time with no ac-
ton, the administration could
chide the Democrats who are
in control on Capitol Hill.
Former President Truman
called the Republican 80th Con-
gress into a special mid d-Summer
session on the eve of the l948
campaign. and asked them to
act in a few weeks on some
subjects that are still unsolyed.
AS Congress was adjourning
Tuesday night. however, Repub-
lican as well as Democratic
leaders appeared to be convinced
the President is not planning a
special session this Fall, on the
basis of any situation now on
the horizon.
Senate Republican Leader
IKnowland refrained from COM
menting on the merits of q
special session this Fall. He said
he presumed that if the Presi-
dent reaches the point Of seri-
ously considering such a call
he undoubtedly will have his
Congressional leaders in for 9
conference.
| What for?" demanded Speake
Rayburn. when told the Presiden
had not ruled out the possibilit.
of a special session. After beins
told the President had stressed
the Importance of school, health
highway and water resourc,
legislation. Mr.. Rayburn added
II don't see anything ther'
that is of such an emergenc.
nature it cannot wait unit
January"
Senator Holland, Democrat O
Florida. said he does not think {
special session would be justified
and that it would be better to le
Senators and Representative,
find out what the people at hom,
are thinking.
You can't hope to plunge 8
See CONGRESS, Page A..