The people's voice., 1958-06-20
Repr. Leroy Anderson
Reports To You From
The Nations CAPITOL

week III congress mas Deen an eXc1C-
ing and momentous one. The House
put in long hours and after spirited
debate, took two important actions
1t passed the Reciprocal Trade Act
which was part of the President's
program, and it defeated the Presi-
dents demands in formulating and
passing the Defense Reorganization
Bill.
First under consideration was the
Reciprocal Trade Act, which was ex-
tended two years ago with only a
single vote margin. During the de-
bate this week, we received copies
of the announcement of a copper
stockpiling purchase program by Sec
retary of Interior Seaton. Committee
chairman Wilbur Mills made a policy
statement to guide the oil import
policy, with more consideration of
the needs and conditions of the in
dependent petroleum producers of
the nation. These supports to two of
Montana's distress e d industries
strengthened my position in favor of
reciprocal trade (which is free en-
terprise on a worldwide basis). On
the showdown vote, the bill was op-
posed by only 28 per cent of the Dem
ocrats and IA per cent of the Re-
publicans.
A realistic appraisal of reciprocal
trade shows that this act has been
the basis of an ever-expanding and
profitable foreign trade; it helps pro-
vide a market for our agricultural
products; it improves both domestic
and foreign economies; it helps hold
the Free World together, bolstering
the economies of the weaker freedom
loving nations, and it provides firm
base for international understanding,
goodwill and lasting peace.
Reorganization-In line with the
prediction I made while speaking in
Montana during the Easter recess,
the House refused to give up it's re-
sponsibility for the nations defense
and denied the President and his
Secretary of Defense the dictatorial
power they sought. The President in
sisted on three amendments to the
House Bill on Reorganization of the
Defense Department, but all were
defeated. The first amendment would
have downgraded the civilian Secre-
5aries of the. Army, Navy and Air
Force, leading to less civilian control
and more control by military men,
starting a trend in the direction of |
a Prussian-type general staff. This
was defeated 211 to 1922
The second amendment would have |
permitted the downgrading of any |
)ne or more of the services and real |
fears were expressed that this would |
cad to elimination of the Marine |
Corps and Naval Aviation. This was
yoted down 1913 to 81. The last
the President wanted |
vas a gag rule to keep the civilian
md military chiefs from dealing di-
'ectly with Congress. This would have
made almost impossible the carrying
,ut of congressional responsibility to
appropriate funds for an economical
md efficient national defense, and
vas defeated $50 to 80. The bill, as
inally passed, permits consolidation
# service and supply functions for
maximum economy. 1t sets up an over
ii research chief and creates CEN
raj operational military staff for
fficient, responsible and adequate
ommand in this time of radar and
uclear weapons, of Distant Early
Warming Systems and International
'allistic Missiles.
Teachers-In some parts of the
United States the tax collector has ,
cen giving some teachers difficulty
n their claims for deductions for '
school and similar expense. j
was among those fighting in behalf {
f teachers for this legitimate deduc-
on from income taxes. This led to I
ne Department of Treasury ruling !
10. 6291, dated April 5, 1858, which 8
learly cites that teachers can file c
Iaims for refunds or deductions for 2
expenses. V
tch-Congressional lead S
RS hope to complete the current ses- f
on on or about August 9. Speaker /
ayburn has said members of Con-
ress have digested more legislative 8
at this session than at anv a