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Agriculture - Defense and Military
AGRICULTURE, 1961
Agriculture Act of 1961
S. 1648 Public Law 87128, approved August 9, 1961
This measure, as enacted into law, extends numerous important agricultural programs such as the Great Plains conservation program, the Wool Act, and Public Law 480; it contains wheat and feed grain programs for 1962; consolidated and simplified the agricultural credit laws administered by the Farmers Home Administration; and provided for advisory consultations with farmers in developing future agricultural programs.
The major provisions are:
Title I Supply Adjustment and Price Stabilization
1. Consultation on agricultural programs.Authorized the Secretary of Agriculture to consult with farmers, farm or commodity organizations and other interested groups in developing new or revising existing agricultural programs involving supply adjustments or marketing regulations through marketing orders, quotas, or price supports. The advisory recommendations accepted would be incorporated in proposals to be submitted to Congress.
2. 1962 wheat program.Required, as a condition for price supports, a mandatory 10 percent cut in wheat acreage allotments, with a 45percent payment in cash or kind for diverting the 10percent cut to soil conserving uses. Authorized an additional voluntary 30 percent diversion. with payments in cash or kind of 60 percent. Any producer can divert up to the larger of (1) 40 percent of his allotment or (2) the smaller of 10 acres or the highest planted acreage of wheat in 1959, 1960, or 1961, whichever is greater. Permits advances of 50 percent to any participating producer.
Increased the farm marketing excess (the amount subject to penalty) and increased the penalty from 45 to 65 percent of parity. Reduced the 15acre exemption to 13 ½ acres, or the highest acreage planted for harvest in. 1959, 1960, or 1961, whichever is smaller.
Repealed permanently the 200bushel exemption from marketing quotas. Authorized the Secretary to increase durum wheat acreage allotments if necessary to meet demand requirements 3year program beginning with 1962.
3. Feed grain program.Required, as a condition of eligibility for price support, that the producer divert 20 percent of his corn, grain sorghum, or barley acreage to conserving uses in return for a 50percent payment in cash or kind.
Authorized an additional 20percent reduction in corn, grain sorghum, or barley acreage, with a 60percent in kind payment.
Authorized the producers to plant castor beans, safflower, sunflower, sesame, or guarbeans on diverted acreage in lieu of payment.
Provided exemption of malting barley from the feed grain diversion program up to 110 percent of their average 195960 barley acreage.
Permitted the Secretary to limit participation in the feed grain program for 1962 if he determines such was necessary because of an emergency created by a drought or other disaster or to prevent or alleviate a shortage in the commodity.
4. Marketing orders.Expands eligibility list for marketing orders to include cherries or cranberries for canning or freezing; lambs, turkeys, peanuts (but no peanut products), apples produced in Michigan, New York, New England,, Maryland, New Jersey, Indiana, and. California; and all other commodities not now covered except honey, cotton, rice, wheat, corn, grain sorghum, oats, barley, rye, sugarcane, sugar beets, wool, mohair, livestock, soybeans, cottonseed,, flaxseed, poultry (other than. turkeys), eggs (other than those specifically covered).
Prohibits the importation of oranges onions, walnuts and dates (other than dates for processing) which do not meet the grade, size, quality, or maturity requirements of orders applicable to the domestic commodities. At present, this restriction applies only to tomatoes avocados, mangoes, limes, grapefruit, green peppers, Irish potatoes, cucumbers and eggplants.
5. Wool Act.Extended the National Wool Act for 4 years through March 31, 1966.
Title II Agricultural Trade Development
Extended Public Law 480, the Agricultural Trade Development Act, through December 31, 1964, a 3year extension.
Provided title I authority of $4.5 billion for 3 years, 1962 through 1964, with a limit of $2.5 billion in any 1 year.(overseas surplus commodity sales).
Authorized the use of foreign currencies for dollar sales to American tourists. Required 5 percent of the proceeds of title I sales in each year to be set aside in amounts and kinds of foreign currencies specified by the Secretary of Agriculture for agricultural market development and required such amount of sale and loan proceeds as the secretary determines necessary, but not less than 2 percent, to be convertible into currencies of other foreign nations for market development activities countries which are or may become dollar markets.
Continued present limitation of million, plus carryovers, in surplus commodities for emergency disaster relief abroad and economic development (title II).
Title III Agricultural Credit
Consolidated and simplified the authorities administered by the Farmers Home Administration for real estate, operating, emergency, and water facilities loans. Provided a $60,000 indebtedness limit: on Farmers Home Administration farm real estate loans.
Limited indebtedness of associations for soil and water conservation loans to $500,000 in direct loans, and $1 million in insured loans.
Provided for a $35,000 indebtedness limit on operating loans.
Authorized loans to soil conservation districts for purchase of conservation equipment.
Authorized emergency loans in areas suffering from natural disaster.
Title IV General
Extended the period for making Great Plains conservation program contracts to December 31, 1971.
Extended school milk program through June 30, 1967, to be paid by direct appropriations.
Extended Veterans Administration and armed services milk program through December 31, 1964.
Agricultural Trade Authorization Increases
S. 1027 Public Law 8728, approved May 4, 1961
Authorizes a $2 billion increase in title I authority of Public Law 480, making a total of $3.5 billion, plus any unused authority carried over from 1960. Title authorizes the President to enter into agreements with friendly nations or organizations of friendly nations to provide for the sale of surplus agricultural commodities for foreign currencies which are then used for a number of purposes for the benefit of the United States and the purchasing country. The total authorization available for calendar year 1961 was $1.5 billion. plus $335 million carried over from calendar year 1960, which had been committed.
Agricultural Trade Development Title II Extension
S. 1720 Public Law 8792, approved July 20, 1961
This measure continues the authority contained in title H of Public Law 480, by repealing section 601(a)(2) of the Mutual Security Act ,of 1960, which limited to June 30, 1961, the authority of the administration to continue and expand the use of our agricultural abundance in helping needy people in the less developed countries through development programs which are not feasible under title I of Public Law 480. Under title II, food can be used or payment of wages in kind for labor intensive projects such as sold conservation dams, irrigation, and, drainage canals, wells, roads and other similar activities, which will relieve hunger and unemployment and, at the same time, contribute to the economic development of the recipient country.
Amendments to Farm Credit Laws
S. 1927 Public Law 87343, approved October 3, 1961
Amends the farm credit laws: (1) Permits installment payments on Federal credit banks to be scheduled more frequently than semiannually if desirable to the borrower because of his income pattern. (2) Permits loans to be made to corporations, set up by farming families; now loans can be. extended only to "persons." (3) Extends. from 5 to 7 years the permissible maturity of intermediate term loans. (4)Requires in applying the earnings at the end of each fiscal year one-half of 1 percent of the loans outstanding be held in reserve up to the accumulation of 3 1/2 percent of the outstanding loans; any more that might be contributed past the 3% percent would be accepted. (5) Combines the revolving funds of the production credit association, which hasn't a demand for all its funds, and the intermediate credit bank, which has need for more funds. (6) Provides for the liquidation of any assets of any cooperative association in a bank when that cooperative might disband.
Drought Relief
S. 2197 Public Law 87127, approved August 7, 1961
To relieve the drought stricken farmer, Congress enacted a 1year emergency program authorizing sale of Government surplus corn and feed grains to needy farmers and ranchers in drought areas at 75. percent of Government price support levels. The act also permits grazing of livestock on grasslands idled by the soil bank and other conservation programs, or moving of hay on. these lands in or near drought areas.
Farm Operating Loans
H.R. 1822 Public Law 878, approved March 29, 1961
To help meet the rapidly and substantially increased cost of farming, this measure amends the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act to, provide a 15percent increase in the amount of funds which may be used for making operating loans to borrowers whose operating loan indebtedness exceeds $10,000. The present ceiling of 10 percent was exhausted by March 1 of this year.
Feed Grains Program
H.R. 451 Public Law 875, approved March 22, 1961
By an overwhelming majority, the Congress passed a 1 year emergency price support for the 1961 crop of corn at $1.20 per bushel, with the other feed grains to be supported at fair and reasonable. levels in relation to corn; support to be conditioned on retirement of 20 percent of feed grain producing acreage. The primary purpose s o tie measure are to raise incomes of feed grain producers and to reduce the mounting surpluses of feed grains in Government hands.
Mexican Farm Labor Program
H.R. 2010 Public Law 87345, approved October 3, 1961
Extended the Mexican Farm Labor program for 2 years until December 31, 1963, and amended the act to (1) require that employers reimburse the United States up to $15 maximum for essential expenses of the program, except galaxies and expenses of personnel engaged in compliance activities; (2) prohibit Mexican workers from being made available in any area unless reasonable efforts have been made to attract domestic workers at wages, standard hours of work, and working conditions comparable to those offered to foreign workers; (3) prohibit any employer of Mexican labor from using these workers in other than temporary or seasonal occupations and from operating or maintaining power-driven self-propelled harvesting, planting or cultivating machinery, except in specific cases to avoid undue hardship; (4) prohibit Mexican workers from engaging in some processing activities.
Special Milk Program Extension
S. 146 Public Law 8767, approved June 80, 1961
This bill extends the special milk program for children 1 year until June 30, 1962; and authorizes $165 on of Commodity Credit Corporation funds to carry out the program. The program, which has been in effect since 1954, authorizes the Department to reimburse schools participating in the school lunch program at the rate of 4 cents per half-pint in excess of the half-pint provided in the lunch. Other schools are reimbursed at the rate of .3 cents per half-pint and child care institutions at the rate of 2 cents per half-pint. At present there are about 85,500 schools and other .institutions participating in the program.
Sugar Act Extension
H.R. 5463 Public Law 8715, approved March 81, 1961
This measure continues the President's authority to establish the sugar quota for Cuba through June 30, 1962, at a level found to be in the national interest but, in no event, in excess of the Cuban quota ,under the basic quota system of the Sugar Act. it gives special consideration to Western Hemisphere countries ;and to those countries purchasing U.S. agricultural commodities when additional purchases are made from foreign nations without regard to allocations. The President's authority is continued to obtain refined sugar if raw sugar is not reasonably available. If the President sets the Cuban quota at less than its basic quota, the amount of the reductions are to be distributed as follows: (1) An. amount equivalent to Cuba's share in any domestic area production deficit may be assigned. exclusively to other domestic areas; and then (2) To five nations whose quotas have been between 3,000 and 10,000 tons, a sufficient quantity of sugar to bring each up to 10,000 tons. These nations are Costa Rica, Haiti, Panama, The Netherlands, and Nationalist China; and then (3) To the Republic of the. Philippines 15 percent of the remainder; and then (4) To other countries having quotas under the act (except those five nations mentioned in (2) above) the remaining 85 percent in amounts prorated according to the basic quotas established by the act, except that any amounts which would be purchased from any country with which the United States is not in diplomatic relations need not be purchased; and then (5) If additional amounts of sugar are needed, purchases may be made from any other foreign nation. without regard to allocations, .but with consideration given to countries of the Western Hemisphere and to those countries purchasing U.S. agricultural commodities.
AGRICULTURE 1962
Agriculture Act of 1962
H.R. 12891 Public Law 87703, approved September 27, 1962
Passage of second Food and Agriculture Act of 1962 was made necessary by the House having killed the first bill by a narrow margin largely because of the permanent feed grain and wheat programs which the Senate had included in the bill. As enacted into law it consists of four titles providing for
Title I Land Use Adjustment
Permanent administration of the agricultural conservation program on a national basis. Payments to producers under long-term agreements (not to exceed 10 years) to conserve and develop soil, water, forest, wildlife, and recreation resources. Restricts payments to $10 million annually, except an additional $15 million may be paid for 1963 on lands previously covered by conservation reserve contracts. Authorizes loans to State and local public agencies to carry out land utilization plans. Amends the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act providing for (1) Federal participation in installation costs for recreation purposes, and in land costs for public, fish, wildlife, and recreation purposes, and (2) deferred repayment for municipal and industrial water capacity to meet anticipated needs.
Title II Agricultural Trade Development Public Law (480)
Expansion of programs under title IV of Public Law 480 of the 83d Congress to permit increased use of private trade channels in selling Government-owned surplus farm commodities to friendly foreign nations on long-term dollar credit.
Title III Commodity Programs
1. Feed grain program.Provides for a 1963 corn, sorghum, and barley program under which producers would divert 20 to 50 percent of their 195960 acreage of those crops to conservation or named oilseed crops for (a) payments in kind of up to 50 percent on the normal yield of the diverted acreage multiplied by the support price, (b) payments in kind of 18 cents per bushel of the normal yield of their planted acreage (in the case of corn and corresponding amounts for sorghum and barley), and © price support by loan or other method at not less than 65 percent of parity, minus 18 cents per bushel for corn and comparable levels for sorghum and barley. Effective with the 1964 crop the support price for corn would be at such level, from 50 to 90 percent of parity, as will not increase CCC stocks 2. Wheat programs.Provides for a voluntary 1963 wheat program under which producers could divert 20 to 50 percent of their allotments (or average 1959, 1960, and 1961 acreage, if not in excess of 15 acres) to conservation or named oilseed crops return for (a) payments in kind of up to 50 percent of the normal yield of the acreage diverted multiplied b the loan level ($1.82 national average), and (b) payment in kind certificates of 18 cents per bushel on the norm of their planted acreage. No changes would be made in marketing quotas for 1963, except the 15acre exemption would be changed to the highest acres planted in 1959, 1960, and 1961, but not more than 15 acres. The same figures, based on 195960 yields, would be used in computing kinds of payments For 1964 and subsequent crops, the marketing quota program would be substantially revised and would include an acreage diversion program. with payments for 1964 and 1965 diversion, and a marketing certificate plan. Under the latter, non-certified wheat would be supported at a level determined after consideration of its feed value and :world price, and certificated wheat would be supported at between 65 and 90 percent of parity. Certificates would be issued to producers for all wheat consumed domestically for food and such part of the exports as determined by the Secretary as would carry out the price and income objectives of the bill. If marketing quotas were disapproved by producers, the support level would be 50 percent of Substitution of wheat and feed grain acreage would be permitted if a feed grain diversion program is in effect.
Title IV General Provisions
Authorizes Farmers Home Administration loans for recreational facilities, and to fish farmers. Provides for an increase (from $10 to $25 million) in the amount of direct FHA real estate loans for immediate resale which can be made from the agricultural credit insurance fund. Expresses congressional policy concerning use of private trade channels by CCC. Authorizes advertising under cherry marketing orders.
Makes CCC feed available until December 31, 1963, to milk producers to assure adequate supply free from radioactive fallout contamination. On signing this act, President Kennedy stated:
The Agriculture Act of 1962 represents an important step forward in our program to increase farm income while reducing costs to the Government of the farm program, and holding the accumulation of farm surpluses. Last year under the 1961 program we made excellent progress. Farm income increased $1 billion and surpluses are down. This is reflected in improvement also in the economic health of rural communities. I notice that deposits in country banks in farm States are already up 10 percent from 1960, and industries which supply farmers have reversed unfavorable trends. This bill will permit us to increase the gains we have made in all of these sectors of the economy. I understand that feed gram stocks would have climbed to more than 3 billion bushels by 1964 without the farm legislation the 87th Congress has enacted. With this legislation stocks should go down to near the needed reserve levels by 1964. I think that this is an important point-with this legislation stocks should be down to near the needed reserve levels by 1964. Similarly, as a result of this bill, wheat carryover stocks in a few years will be reduced to half of the 1961 level. This legislation brings to a successful conclusion nearly 40 years of public discussion, some 10 years of congressional record of active support by farm groups for what is caged two-price wheat legislation. Now wheat producers and Wheat processors can plan confidently for the future instead of having to operate from year to year under emergency bases. I am especially pleased by the pilot program in the bill to explore means of turning farmlands to nonagricultural purposes, and to broaden the authority of the existing watershed and lending programs of the Department of Agriculture. These may be the most important provisions of this legislation for it opens up possibilities for constructive and continuing programs of multiple use of private and public conservation projects, expanded open, au space areas around cities, and economic development of some of our less developed areas. With this bill we can also continue our efforts to expand the Food-For-Peace program, and encouraging at the same time our prospects for expanded commercial trade. There is provision for increasing participation by the United States in school lunch. programs in friendly countries, and for partial financing of these programs by the recipients. I am confident that this act will help us sustain prosperity, reduce burdens of surpluses, and maintain stable food prices.
Cooperative Forestry Research
H.R. 12688 Public Law 87788, approved October 10, 1962
This act provides for matching grants and other assistance for forestry research to land-grant colleges, agricultural experiment stations, other colleges and universities offering graduate training in sciences basic to forestry and having a forestry school. The State must certify the institutions eligible for assistance and determine the proportionate amount to be given to each from the amount apportioned to the State. If any institution fails to match, the unmatched balance will be reapportioned first to other institutions in the same State to the extent they qualify and then to qualifying institutions in other States.
Farmers Home Administration Insured Loans
H.R. 12658 Public Law 87798, approved October 11, 1962
Increased from $150 to $200 million the amount of loans which may be insured in any year under the Consolidated Farmers Home Administration Act. These farm ownership loans are made to families with a farm background and experience or training to help them buy, enlarge, or develop farms and to refinance debts. Soil and water conservation loans may be made to individual farmers to help them improve, protect, and properly use their land by providing adequate financing for water development and conservation and soil conservation and use. Loans also may be made under this title to public bodies and nonprofit associations for the development and use of water and soil conservation practices and drainage to serve farmers, ranchers, and other rural residents.
1962 Feed Grain Program
S. 2533 Public Law 87425, approved March 80, 1962
Liberalized requirements for participation in 1962 feed grain program by permitting farmers to plant barley on land taken out of wheat production and make barley interchangeable with other feed grains. Proposal applies to areas where summer fallow practices are used for seeding wheat. Unless summer fallow is covered, it wig be threatened by severe wind erosion and land damage. Thus, this bill permits a farmer to plant winter crops to keep his land from blowing and then the next summer intake a comparable reduction from his corn or grain sorghum acreage.
Forest Management
H.R. 9728 Public Law, 87680, approved September 25, 1962
Increased the amount authorized to be appropriated to carry out the Cooperative Forest Management Act from $2.5 to $5 million. That act provides for a cooperative program with the States under which technical assistance is furnished to small forest and woodlot owners. Amounts paid to States are required to be matched by the States.
Forest Survey Authorization
H.R. 3064 Public Law 87685, approved September 25, 1962
Increases from $1.5 to $2.5 Million the authorization for keeping current a survey of the Nation's forest resources. The McSweeney-McNary Forest Research Act of 1928 authorized the Secretary of Agriculture to make and keep current a comprehensive survey of the present and prospective requirements for timber and other forest products in the United States. The initial survey of 770 million acres has been completed. Amendments to the act in 1944 and 1949 kept the re-surveys current. Increase is necessary because of increased surveying costs since 949, the year in which the $1.5 million figure was set.
Imports of Textiles
H.R. 10788 Public Law 87488, approved June 19, 1962
Authorized the President, for the purpose of carrying out any agreement under section 204 of the Agricultural Act of 1956, to limit reports of any agricultural commodity or product covered by such agreement from countries not a party to the agreement. It will apply only in the case of agreements where imports from participating countries account for a significant part of the world trade in the article. Section 204 of the Agricultural Act of 1956, authorized the President o enter into agreements with foreign countries limiting the importance of any agricultural commodity. This bill removes all doubt from existing law by giving the President authority to limit imports from countries not a party to the agreement. At present the only agreement under section 204 is the 1year cotton textile arrangement in which 19 countries participate. Enactment of this measure will prevent anticipated imports from nonparticipating countries violating the effect of the agreement.
International Wheat Agreement Act Extension
8574 Public Law 682, approved September 5, 1962
Extended the International Wheat Agreement Act of 1949 to implement the Agreement ratified in 1962, by authorizing the President acting through Commodity Credit Corporation to make available wheat and wheat flour at prices necessary to exercise the rights, obtain the benefits, and fulfill obligations of the United States.
National School Lunch Funds
H.R. 11665 Public Law 87823, approved October 15, 1962
Amended the National School Lunch Act in order to give the program a more realistic approach by Revising the formula for apportioning cash assistance funds to States to base it on the number of lunches served in the preceding year and a slightly modified assistance need factor (instead of on the number of children aged 5 to 17 and the assistance need factor); Providing for a 3year transition to the new formula (75 percent of the funds being apportioned on the old formula and 25 percent of the new formula the first year, 50 percent being apportioned on each formula the second year; and 25 percent being apportioned on the old formula and 75 percent on the new formula the third year); Changing the formula for division of State apportionments between public and private schools (where such division is required) to base it on the number of lunches served instead of the number of students; and Providing for special assistance to certain schools to help them serve free or reduced price lunches. Authorizing a $10 million appropriation for fiscal 1963 and such funds as required for succeeding years.
Rural Telephone Service
H.R. 10708 Public Law 87862
Authorizes the Rural Electrification Administration to finance loans for facilities to provide services such a closed circuit television, teletypewriter, telephotograph, and writing and data transmission, which, today, are generally recognized as normal services of telephone companies.
Sugar Act Extension
H.R. 12154 Public Law, 87535, approved July 13, 1962
Extends the 1948 Sugar Act to December 31, 1966. The first sugar quota law was passed in 1934 to combat surpluses and disastrously low prices. Under the law the Secretary of Agriculture is directed maintain prices equitable to both the domestic sugar industry and consumers. All U.S. sources of supply up to now have been controlled through specific quotas raised or lowered by the Secretary as market requirements dictated, but this bill injects a major new element into gar controls. Of an estimated 9,700,000 tons that US. consumers need this year, approximately 1,635,000 tons will come from reign sources on a first-come, first-served basis. Specifically, the act provides that when the domestic requirements f 9,700,000 tons are met, the U.S. sugar market will be supplied by Increasing the quotas for domestic sugar-producing areas by 625,000 tons and assigning these domestic areas 65 percent of the increases in consumption compared to the present 55 percent. In these foreign country quotas, there win be a cumulative reduction of 10 percent a year in the premium over world prices; the import e will be 10 percent of the difference between the world price and a US. price in a period during 1962 in which the provision is effective, 20 percent in 1963, and 30 percent in 1964. Suspending Cuba's quota of 1,635,000 tons until it again becomes free and independent. This reserve will be purchased from any countries with which we are in diplomatic relations on a global-quota basis with full recapture between the world price and the US. price special consideration to countries of the Western Hemisphere and to those countries purchasing U.S. agricultural commodities. Since the world free market is subject to price fluctuations, the Secretary will provide monthly reports to the Senate Finance Committee on operation. Revising the formula to employ the price of raw sugar and the U.S. Department of Agriculture parity index as they were related in the years 195759. Authorizing Secretary to make available approximately 26,000 acres or the amount necessary to yield a reserve of 65,000 tons annually expand the sugar beet industry. Distributes the reserve to farms without regard to other acreage allocations. This reserve will be available for distribution to new growers supplying a new factory in new area. Limiting direct consumption sugar entered from foreign countries (except the Philippines) to the average entries during 195759 from other countries receiving a proration of 20,000 tons or less; none from countries with less than 20,000 (except the Philippines). Replacement supplies authorized for importing in lieu of quotas of countries not in diplomatic relations with the United States (Cuba) will be raw sugar; if not available, then direct-consumption sugar. Suspending quota for expropriation of American owned property if a nation discriminates against US. citizens in its sugar program. Permitting a small quota for syrup of cane juice such as Barbados lasses. Prohibiting importing to Virgin Islands any sugar not produced in domestic areas with the same prohibition in relation to their quota from the Virgin Islands.
Sugar Quotas Western Hemisphere
H.R.. 8050 Public Law 87539, approved last 19, 1962
Permits the President, to enlarge U.S. sugar import quotas of Latin American countries by modifying the Sugar Act of 1962. The modification allows the President to allocate up to 150,000 tons a year ,extra to Latin American countries. While the act names no countries, it is expected that the Dominican Republic wig receive at least 100,000 tons of the allocation. Argentina is another likely beneficiary. The additional quotas for Latin America was attached as an amendment to a bill restricting imports of adult honey bees except for experiments by the Department of Agriculture and then only from countries that have taken every precaution to eradicate the disease-bearing acarine mite which infests them. As enacted, the bill permits the President to allocate an additional 150,000 tons of raw sugar to Latin American countries for each of 1963 and 1964, and 75,000 tons for the remainder of 1962. Although not named, it is expected that the bulk of this allocation will be for the Dominican Republic, Peru, and Argentina. Additional tonnage is to be taken from the 1,635,000 global quota. Also changed was the deficit allocation formula in the 1962 Sugar Act by permitting the President to distribute all of the deficits except the share which the Philippines could receive to Western Hemisphere countries, with preference to countries purchasing U.S. agricultural commodities.
AGRICULTURE 1963
Agricultural Act of 1963
Agricultural Experiment Stations
H.R. 40 Public Law 8874, approved July 22, 1963
Authorizes $12 million in matching grants to be apportioned among the States for the construction of research facilities at State agricultural experiment stations. Grants would be available for 3 years and apportioned to the States One-third equally among the States; One-third on the basis of rural population; and One-third on the basis of farm population. All Federal grants would have to be matched by at least equal sums from non-Federal sources.
Alaskan Farmland Development
S. 623 Passed Senate June 25, pending in House Agriculture Committee
To assist Alaska and its population explosion, this act authorizes a $1.2 million program for payments to assist agricultural producers in Alaska to carry out much needed farmland development measures. Such measures will include clearing, draining, shaping and otherwise conditioning land for the production of crops or for pasture. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with these agricultural producers which may extend for a period of years. Payments and grants are limited to $125,000 in any one program ear.
Conservation Reserve Contracts Extension
S. 1588 Passed Senate October 11; pending in House Agriculture Committee
Authorizes extension of conservation reserve contracts through 1965 which expire in 1963 and 1964 and those which expired in 1962 and were extended for 1963 under section 16(e) of the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act. Increases the limit on annual payments under the cropland conversion program (land use adjustment) from $10 to $20 minion.
Dairy Bill
S. 1915 Passed Senate October 10; pending in House Agriculture Commission
Provides a two-price plan for dairy farmers designed to reduce Government surpluses and increase farm income. Under the bill, farmers who. vote by referendum to accept the plan will be paid two prices-a higher one for fluid milk and a lower one for manufacturing ilk used in making cheese, butter, ice cream, and other dairy products. Dairy farmers will be allotted a specific percentage of the higher priced fluid milk on the basis of past production. Present laws provide a Federal minimum price support for blend milk produced in marketing areas without making a distinction between fluid and manufacturing milk. Essentially the bill clarifies the Secretary of Agriculture's authority o provide for allotments under milk marketing orders so that producers will receive a higher return on milk covered by allotments and lower return for milk in excess of allotments, instead of a uniform lend price. The bill does not affect the minimum prices paid by handlers but deals only with apportionment of the proceeds among producers. Milk marketing orders apply to marketing areas and prescribe minimum prices which handlers must pay for milk. The minimum. rice varies with the use to which the handler puts the milk. The handler must pay a higher minimum price, for milk used for sale for consumption as fluid milk, and a lower minimum price for milk used or manufacturing or other lower purposes. Handler's payments of e minimum prices are pooled and producers are then paid a uniform rice subject to certain adjustments. In addition to adjustments for customary volume, market and production differentials, and for quality and location, the law provides for a further adjustment equitably to apportion the total value of he milk purchased by any handler, or by all handlers, among producers and associations of producers, on the basis of their marketing of milk during a representative period of time. While Congress felt that this clearly authorized apportionment of lie proceeds for the milk on the basis of marketing during a representative period, the Department of Agriculture has questioned its authority to apply this adjustment factor except for the limited purpose of eliminating violent seasonal fluctuations. Thus, this bill is designed to remove any question and to specify one manner in which authority may be exercised.
Federal Crop Insurance Expansion
S. 277 Passed Senate August 28; pending in House Agriculture Committee
Permits Federal crop insurance to be offered in 150 additional counties each year. At present expansion is limited to 100 new counties each year. Crop insurance is offered farmers in selected counties by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, which is wholly Government owned and provides all risk crop insurance protection against unavoidable causes loss.
Feed Grains Act of 1963
H.R. 4997 Public Law 8826, approved May 20, 1963
Congress extended the voluntary feed grains program for 2 years 196465 crops. Established price support for corn, if a feed grains acreage diversion program is in effect, between 65 and 90 percent of parity to those producers who participate in the acreage diversion program. Price support for other feed grains would be comparable arable to that for corn. If no acreage diversion program is in effect, the support price will be at the level authorized by the Food and Agriculture Act of 1962 but may be restricted to those producers who do not exceed the feed grain base established for the farm. An acreage diversion program will be in effect if it is determined that, in the absence of such a program, the total supply of feed grains be excessive. Authorized payments in kind not to exceed 50 percent of the support price, including that portion of the support price made in kind, on the normal production of the acreage diverted. Base acreage used to determine the percentage of land to be diverted will continue to be the 1959 and 1960 average adjusted acreage. Includes in the feed grains base, however, the average acreage of heat for 1959, 1960, and 1961 produced under the feed wheat exemption in excess of the small farm wheat base established for the farm. Permits reserves not to exceed 1 percent of the estimated State feed base for apportionment to farms on which there were no acreage devoted to feed grains during 1959 and 1960, with specific guidelines for apportionment Farms receiving bases under this provision will not be eligible for land diversion payments the first year. The adjusted yield used to determine the normal production for price support payments and land diversion payments for the 1964 crop would be based on the 195962 average yield and for the 1965 crop the 195963 average yield. Acreage to be diverted will be determined as that necessary to achieve the acreage goal but cannot exceed the larger of 50 percent of the base or 25 acres. Permits payment in kind in the form of negotiable certificates, with CCC authorized to redeem the certificates for feed grains valued at not less than the current support price less that part of the support price made available through payments in kind, plus reasonable carrying charges. Revised the definition of feed grains to include oats and rye if the producer so requests, in which case the producer could, if so desired, have feed grains acreage devoted to the production of wheat considered as devoted to the production of feed grains; however, corn, grain sorghums or barley cannot be planted in lieu of oats or rye. Retains the price support level for 1963 which (as required by section 105© of the 1949 act fixes it at not less than 65 percent of parity) as set it as $1.25 per bushel and is 78 percent of the parity price for December 1962. Authorizes the Secretary to permit the diverted acreage to be devoted to the production of guar, sesame, safflower, sunflower, castor beans, mustard seed, and flax, when such crops are not in surplus supply. President Kennedy in signing the bill into law, said:
This act extends the successful feed grains program for 2 more years. In 1961 feed grains constituted our most critical surplus problem. That year, the carryover was over 3 billion bushels. Had no action been taken, it would have approached 4 billion bushels by the end of the crop year. However, as a result of the 1961 and 1962 legislation, we will by October of this year, have reduced stocks by 860 million bushels. Taxpayers will save over $800,000 a day. Eventual savings will total nearly $1,400 million. Two years from now, at the end of the 1964 marketing year, the Secretary of Agriculture estimates that the entire feed grain surplus wig be gone and we will have on hand only the amount of feed grain needed for national reserves. This will be an extraordinary accomplishment. It is especially encouraging that the feed grain program has received wide farmer acceptance, for without their support the feed grain situation would be even more critical today than 2 years ago. By making this program his program, the farmer has helped raise net farm income in both 1961 and 1962 to its highest peak since 1953 and this situation is being reflected today in a banner sales year for farm equipment makers and for merchants in many rural communities. Through this program, also, we will continue to avoid feed grain supplies so large as to overexpand livestock production. This kind of progress is justification enough for continuing the feed grain. legislation and I want to express my appreciation to the Members of Congress here who labored so long and so the hard to make this legislation a reality.
Mexican Farm Labor
S.1703 Public Law 88203, approved December 18, 1963.
Provides for a 1year extension of the Mexican farm labor program o December 31, 1964.
Misuse of Relief Feeds
S. 400 Passed Senate June 25; pending in House Agriculture Committee
Established civil and criminal penalties for misuse of feed made available for relieving distress or preservation and maintenance of foundation herds. The offense would be a misdemeanor and provides a civil penalty equal to the market value of the feed and a criminal penalty up to 1,000 or imprisonment for not more than 1 year. Under existing law a similar penalty is imposed if CCC-owned grain sold to a farmer in a designated emergency area at the current support price is disposed of by the farmer other than by feeding to his livestock.
Pesticide Registration
S. 1605 Passed Senate October 22; pending in House Agriculture Committee
Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to permit labeling federally approved pesticides with registration numbers and to repeal provisions permitting protest registration and marketing of pesticides declared unsafe by the Agriculture Department. Existing law requires that all pesticides be registered with the Department of Agriculture in compliance with the above act; however, if a poison does not comply with the act, the manufacturer can register and market it under protest until the Department develops evidence to prove it unsafe and take legal action to remove it from the market. In prohibiting such protest registration, this bill permits the Secretary of Agriculture to prevent marketing a new imminently hazardous cite and set up a legal procedure designed to protect an applicant who disagreed with the Secretary's decision. Thus the applicant can appeal to an advisory committee of experts which would consider the matter and make recommendations which the Secretary can follow at his discretion. In case the applicant continues to protest the Secretary's ruling, he can request a public hearing. The hearing will be followed by a final order of the Secretary which will be subject to judicial review. In the case of a registrant whose product already marketed and found unsafe, currently subject to protest registration, this bill permits the manufacturer to continue to market the product until the administrative and judicial procedures were exhausted. However in the case of a product which the Secretary found particularly dangerous, marketing could be suspended and expedited hearing procedures set up.
Producer Livestock Programs
H.R.. 5860 Public Law 8861; approved July 8, 1963
Permits voluntary programs for promotion, research, and education elating to livestock, meat, and other commodities and products covered by the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921, and financing such programs by producers and participating allied interests. It amends the Packers and Stockyards Act to provide that the authority of the Secretary under this act shall not apply to deductions made from sales proceeds for the purpose of financing promotion or research activities, including educational activities, relating to livestock, meat, and other products covered by the Packers and Stockyards Act. It exempts from regulation under the Packers and Stockyards Act, deductions made for this type activity when carried out by producer-sponsored promotion of meat and meat products. This program has been financed. largely through small deductions on the sales proceeds of livestock at the time of its marketing. These deductions usually are made by producer agents, who have been engaged to sell the livestock, and the amounts of such deductions are shown on the accounts of sale. This action will place producers, their market agencies and participating packers on the same footing as are the producers of other cultural commodities, and will enable the program which has been so successfully carried out by the National Livestock and Meat board without written authorizations to be continued on a voluntary basis free of Federal regulation, since the legislation makes it clear that the deductions which are made for financing the program are not and could not be construed to be acts or practices in commerce.
Rice Acreage
House Joint Resolution 192 Public Law 88160, approved October 28, 1963
Confirms all 195662 crop rice acreage allotments properly apportioned on the basis of producer history and allocated to the farm by the county committee in good faith. It does not confirm allotments obtained by duplication, forgery, bribery, or intimidation, nor allotments obtained through practices that would result in the total allotted acreage exceeding the State acreage allotment less any unallocated reserve acreage. Thus the resolution is designed to relieve farmers from technical irregularities but does not forgive intentional wrongdoing. Legislation applies only in States where rice allotments are made on the basis of the producer's history of rice production.
Wheat Allotments
Senate Joint Resolution 198 Public Law 87485, approved June 15, 1962
By unanimous action the Congress deferred the final date for the proclamation of the 1963 crop wheat-marketing quotas and acreage allotments until July 15, 1962. The resolution also defers the final date for the referendum on 1963 crop-marketing quotas to August 52 1962.
Wheat and Feed Grain Acreage
H.R. 11413 Public Law 87451, approved May 15,1962
This measure adds non-price supported annual field crops and flax the list of commodities which Secretary of Agriculture may permit to be produced on diverted acres under the 1962 wheat and feed grain programs. It permits the Secretary to make payments on diverted acres planted to the authorized crops at up to half the rate payable on diverted acres devoted to conservation. Participation in the 1962 wheat and feed grain programs is required as a condition of price support for the commodities covered by those programs. Participants receive payments for diverting land from wheat and feed grains to conserving uses. In lieu of receiving payments, they may at present, with the Secretary's approval, produce guar, sesame, safflower, sunflower, or castor beans on the diverted acres. Thus this bill extends to this list non-price supported annual field crops and flax provided they are not in surplus supply.
Joint Committee on the Budget
S. 537 Passed Senate May 20; pending in House Rules Committee
Establishes a 14member Joint Committee on the Budget composed of 7 members from each Appropriation Committee, 4 to 3 split. Authorizes the Joint Committee to select a new chairman and vice chairman at the first regular meeting of each session with the House and Senate rotating Senate chairman in even-numbered years and House odd-numbered years, with the vice chairman from the opposite branch. Purpose of the Joint Committee is to serve the Appropriations Committees year round with the same expertise as the Bureau of Budget for the executive branch. That is, the Joint Committee is to know all about the budget and expenditures of the agencies of the Government, including borrowing authority, contract obligational authority, estimated revenues, et cetera. Permits the Joint Committee to report on and recommend appropriate legislative changes, recommend cutbacks, or anything that would promote greater efficiency and economy in Government. Authorizes the Joint Committee to hold hearings, issue subpoenas, and take testimony; and to recommend joint hearings by the Appropriations Committees and subcommittees to expedite action on appropriation measures. Committee will be staffed with a staff director, associate staff director, and such other professional, technical, and clerical employees as necessary. Staff director to be appointed and responsible to majority party members; associate staff director by minority.
ATOMIC ENERGY 1961
AEC Authorization
H.R. 7576 Public Law 87315, approved September 26, 1961
Authorizes total appropriations of $270,440,000 for the Atomic Energy Commission. An important item included in this authorization is $111 million for the linear electron accelerator at and the balance is new construction funds for 40 AEC projects.
__________ AEC Omnibus Amendments
H.R. 8599 Public Law 87206, approved September 6, 1961
This measure is considered as the AEC omnibus bill of 1961. Amendments include (1) the transfer of 3 kilograms of plutonium and 500 grams of uranium 233 to me International Atomic Energy Agency to aid in the prestige of the IAEA as a center for distribution of special nuclear materials; (2) the transfer of 8 additional kilograms of plutonium and 30 kilograms of uranium 233 to EurAtom for research purposes and to help start an experimental plant for reprocessing fuel elements; (3) extends hearing times for the program, development, Growth, and State of the Atomic Energy Industry; (4) makes regulations concerning patent rights of atomic inventions; (5) sanctions the AEC'S practice of not releasing all of the reports of an inventor's atomic inventions unless due to special circumstances; (6) transfers back to the State of California exclusive jurisdiction which the United States now exercises over portions of the AEC Livermore site; and (7) permits, at the discretion of the Commission, those persons having security clearance granted by another Government agency to fulfill security specifications of the AEC.
ATOMIC ENERGY, 1962
AEC Authorization for 1963
H.R. 11974 Public Law 87701, approved September 26, 1962
Authorized $242,695,000 for AEC construction projects; of the total $159,415,000 is for 42 new projects. Authorized AEC to contract with Washington State Public Power Supply System, under certain conditions, for sale of byproduct steam and construction by WPPSS of electric generating facilities to use steam from the atomic generating project at Hanford, Wash. electricity generated will be made available to public and private users alike, without discrimination and without expenditure of $1 of Federal funds. Act stipulates that sale of the Hanford steam must provide a substantial financial return to the Treasury, any modification of the reactor for utilization of the steam must be paid by purchase of the steam and the Senate-House Atomic Energy Committee must be given an opportunity to review the contract before the Government signs it. IF these and other conditions are not met, the steam cannot be sold. On signing the bill, President Kennedy said:
One portion of this legislation for which we have waited for quite some time will make it possible for the steam produced by the Hanford new production reactor to be transformed into electricity and distributed to the homes and factories of the Pacific Northwest. It is a source of great satisfaction to me that a way has now been opened for the efficient utilization of this energy resource for the benefit of this growing region. To have permitted this resource to be wasted would have been in conflict with all principles of resource conservation and utilization to which we are committed. This project is for peacetime application and atomic heat for electricity which will produce a million kilowatts, approximately. It will be four times large than any other project in the world. It will give the United States a freer margin for superiority in the peacetime use of atomic energy. I think that it will benefit, in that way, the entire country, North and South and West. As I stated in my letter of July 13, 1962, to Chairman Holifield, of the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy, the proposal of the Washington Public Power Supply System to utilize the Hanford steam for the production of power presents an opportunity, clearly in the public interest, to obtain the maximum benefits from the public investment already committed for this facility and to demonstrate national leadership in resources development while furthering national defense objectives. The arrangements contemplated by this legislation will provide assurance that the interests of taxpayers, consumers, and other producers of electric power will be adequately protected. Enactment of this legislation is a highly significant achievement, and the Members of both Houses of Congress, in particular the members of the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy are to be congratulated on e success of their unremitting efforts to bring about the utilization of the major national resource represented by the byproduct energy of the Hanford reactor.
__________ AEC Indemnity
S. 3491 Public Law 87615, approved August 30, 1962
Amended AEC act of 1954 by authorizing establishment of one or more Atomic Safety and Licensing Boards; provided Government indemnity coverage for overseas nuclear accidents involving contractors of subcontractors of AEC and limited overseas coverage to $100 million.
__________ AEC Properties
S. 3580 Public Law 87719, approved September 12, 1962
Authorized Atomic Energy Commission to provide for sale of federally owned residential properties in Los Alamos, N. Mex. Net value is $39 million and it is expected that proceeds from the sales will total about $38 million.
_________ Southern Interstate Nuclear Compact
H.R. 10618 Public Law 87563, approved July 31, 1962
Grants congressional consent to southern interstate nuclear compact to establish a regional agency. The Southern Interstate Nuclear Board, to develop and control peaceful uses of nuclear energy throughout the compact are comprised of Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Caroline, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
ATOMIC ENERGY, 1963
AEC Construction
S. 1745 Public Law 8872, approved July 22, 1963
Authorized a total appropriation of $216,271,000 for the Atomic Energy Commission. Authorizations are for New construction projects $172,562,000
Cooperation with European Atomic Energy Community $7,500,000 Cooperative power reactor demonstration program; fast breeder research and development $709,000 Spectral hi-power reactor development, design, and construction $30,000,000 Cooperative research and development program with West German authorities $5,500,000.
__________ AEC Supplemental Authorization
S. 2267 Public Law 88189, approved November 29, 1963
Authorizes an additional $17,945,000 for the construction of 12 new facilities for the nuclear weapons development program as outlined by the President in connection with the nuclear test ban treaty.
AVIATION 1961
Aircraft Accident Claims
H.R. 7934 Public Law 87212, approved September 8, 1961
Authorizes immediate payment of not more than $1,000 to anyone who might suffer injury or personal damages as a result of an accident involving military aircraft of missiles. As a result of such accidents there may be urgent need to, for example, buy food and secure lodgings. Payments that might be made are not admission by the Government of liability; however, accidents involving missiles or aircraft are usually a clear case of liability.
__________ Crimes on Aircraft
S. 2268 Public Law 87197, approved September 5, 1961
This bill is designed to combat recent aircraft hijackings, by applying Federal criminal law to crimes committed on aircraft in air commerce. These incidents have focused attention on the need for additional laws covering such crimes. There are Federal laws as well as State laws which are now applicable in many instances; however, few specifically meet the unique problems including the venue problem, which arise while aircraft are in flight. This measure fills the gap by making criminal certain acts of violence which if committed within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, would be crimes as defined by sections 113, 114, 11113, 1363, or 2111 of title 18, United States Code, if committed on board an aircraft in flight in air commerce. Included are varying degrees of murder, manslaughter, attempt to commit murder or manslaughter, malicious destruction of property, and robbery. Any person who obtains or attempts to obtain control of an aircraft by unlawful force or threat of force will be subject to a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than 20 years, or both. If the act was committed with the use of a dangerous weapon, imprisonment may be for life but not less than 20 years, or by death if the jury so directs. One who assaults, intimidates, or threatens to interfere with a flight crew member in a way to interfere with his duties to safely operate the aircraft will be subject to a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than 20 years, or both. If a deadly or dangerous weapon is used, the penalty may be imprisonment for life but not less than 20 years. An act which constitutes the crime of piracy if committed aboard a vessel on the high seas will constitute a crime if committed aboard an aircraft in flight in air commerce, punishable by imprisonment for life or for not less than 20 years, or by death if the jury so directs. This amendment to the Federal Aviation Act defines aircraft piracy to mean any seizure or exercise of control by force or violence or threat of force or violence, and with wrongful intent, of an aircraft in flight in air commerce. To knowingly impart or convey false information concerning an attempt or alleged attempt to unlawfully obtain control of an aircraft, to interfere with a flight crew member, or to commit piracy will be subject to a fine up to $1,000 or imprisonment up to 1 year, or both. With the exception of any municipal, county, or State government, or the Federal Government, and others who may be authorized under appropriate regulations issued by the Federal Aviation Agency, any person who, while aboard an aircraft operated by an air carrier in air transportation, carries on or about his person a concealed deadly or dangerous weapon or attempts to board an aircraft with such a weapon will be subject to a fine of up to $5,000 and imprisonment up to 5 years, or both. All violations mentioned above will be subject to investigation by the FBI. Venue. The trial of any offense under this act will be in the district in which the offense is committed; or, if the offense is committed out of the jurisdiction of any particular Sate or district, the trial will be in the district where the offense is committed; or, if the offense is committed out of the jurisdiction of any particular State or district, the trial will be in the district where the offender, or any one of two or more joint offenders, is arrested or is first brought. If the offender or offenders are not arrested or brought into any district, an indictment or information may be filed in the district of the last known residence of the offender or of any one of two or more joint offenders, or if no residence is known the indictment or information may be filed in the District of Columbia. Whenever the offense is begun in one jurisdiction and completed in another, or committed in more than one jurisdiction, it may be dealt with, inquired of, tried, determined, and punished in any jurisdiction in which the offense was begun, continued, or completed, in the same manner as if the offense had been actually an wholly committed therein. The Administrator of FAA can authorize any air carrier to refuse transportation to a passenger or to transport property when, in the opinion of the carrier, it might prove inimical to safety in flight.
__________ Federal Airport Act Extension
H.R. 8102 Public Law 87255, approved September 20, 1961
Extends the Federal Airport Act for 3 years, to June 30, 1964, and authorizes a total of $225 million, with $75 million to become available for obligation each year. Earmarks $7 million a year for the development of airports, to provide separate facilities for general aviation and thus relieve congestion at airports. Federal participation in constructing terminal buildings is restricted to costs directly related to a safety of persons at the airport. Prohibits the approval of any project which does not include provision for installing certain specified landing aids such as high intensity runway lighting as determined by the Administrator to be required for safe and efficient handling of traffic at the particular airport. Increased the Federal share of the installation of such aids from 50 percent to a maximum of 75 percent. Provides that funds allocated to a State under the apportionment formula which are not obligated within 2 fiscal years shall become available for use in any State, at the discretion of the Administrator. Requires publication by January 1 each year of the proposed program for airport development during the next fiscal year. Amends the Federal Aviation Act to authorize various departments of the Federal Government to pay for space in public airports necessary in the performance of their duties.
__________ War Risk Insurance Extension
S. 1931 Public Law 8789, approved July 20, 1961
Extends for 5 years until 1966 title XIII of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, which provides that in the event of war the Nation's civil air fleet would have adequate insurance coverage for war risks. Commercial aviation war risk policies are issued with automatic termination clauses in the event of outbreak of a major war.
__________ Wright Brothers Day
House Joint Resolution 109 Public Law 87291, approved September 22, 1961
Gives the President the authority to designate December 17 of each year as Wright Brothers Day in commemoration of the first successful airplane flight by Orville and Wilbur Wright on December 17, 1903.
AVIATION 1962
Aircraft Accidents
S. 962 Public Law 87810, approved October 15, 1962
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to clarify the Civil Aeronautics Board's authority to conduct investigations of aircraft accidents. More specifically, it would provide the Board with express statutory authority to: Examine and test to the extent necessary all component parts of the aircraft and property aboard the aircraft; Examine and conduct autopsies or such other tests as may be necessary in the case of any fatal accident; Request assistance of any medical agency of the United States in conducting medical examinations and tests necessary to investigation of the accident; requires the Board to observe, to the extent consistent with the needs of the accident investigation, provisions of local law protecting religious beliefs with respect to autopsies; Request assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation or any investigatory agency of the United States with respect to an investigation of the activities of any person in connection with the accident; Provide criminal penalties for removing, concealing, or withholding any part of a civil aircraft involved in an accident, or any property aboard the aircraft; and Authorize the Board , on behalf of the United States, where appropriate, to accept gifts of money, other personal property and services in connection with the investigation of any accident.
__________ Aircraft Loan Guarantees
H.R. 10129 Public Law 87820, approved October 15, 1961
This bill:
Extends the aircraft guarantee loan program an additional 5 years, to September 7, 1967. Increases the amount of loans which could be authorized to any eligible carrier from $5 to $10 million. This bill transfers responsibility for administering the loan guarantee program from the Civil Aeronautics Board to the Department of Commerce.
__________ Supplemental Air Carriers
S. 1969 Public Law 87528, approved July 10, 1962
This act terminates in 2 years the authority of supplemental airlines to fly ticket-holding passengers on scheduled flights. However, CAB is authorized to permit supplementals to fly individual ticket flights during holidays and other peak traffic periods. During the 2year period, the supplemental airlines will be expected to switch gradually to charter service only. At present the CAB limits a supplemental to 10 monthly individual ticket flights between any two cities. During the 2year transitional period the act limits a carrier's individual ticket business to its average individual ticket revenue over the past three years. Supplemental airlines are small carriers whose main business is charter flights, primarily for the armed services. Authorizes the CAB to permit limited passenger charter operations by all cargo airlines. Bars supplemental airlines from carrying mail, except during specially authorized temporary periods, and prohibits Government mail subsidy payments to them. Requires each supplemental to be financially sound enough to provide safe service and to carry liability insurance. Under this act the following new regulations will be established: The CAB will require supplemental airlines to carry liability insurance and could also require them to furnish performance bonds. An airline would obtain the bonds from a bonding concern, which, in turn, would guarantee fulfillment of the airline's contracts. The CAB could suspend or revoke a supplemental's operating certificate if it is not in active use. The CAB also could suspend or revoke a certificate for lack of financial fitness, judged on such standards as whether the airline has sufficient resources to sustain its contemplated operations for an initial 6month period and whether the airline management has been associated with known violators of airline regulations. The CAB could prevent an airline from conducting even interim operations while waiting for a permanent certificate. Formerly, the interim operations could be conducted under court order while waiting final determination of a CAB ruling on a request for a permanent certificate. Supplementals could be fined as much as $1,000 a day for each continuing violation of these so-called economic regulations or of Federal Aviation Agency safety regulations.
AVIATION 1963
Federal Airport Act Extension
S. 1153 Passed Senate August 26; House Calendar
Extends the Federal aid to airport program for 3 years, from June 30, 1964, to June 30, 1967, which authorizes Federal matching funds of $75 million a year for airport development. Briefly, the present program limits Federal participation in the program to items directly related to safety and provides a special fund of $7 million a year for the development of general aviation airports. Funds allocated to any State under the area population formula and not obligated within 2 fiscal years revert to the discretionary fund. To be eligible for funds, airport authorities are required to make provision for installing certain specified landing aids such as in-runway lighting, runway distance markers, and high intensity runway lighting determined by Federal Aviation Agency as necessary for safe and efficient use of the airport. Federal share of the cost for installing such aids may be increased to 75 percent; a special fund of $1,500,000 for Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands is provided because of their insular status and unique reliance on air transportation. Under this fund Hawaii receives $600,000, Puerto Rico $600,000, and the Virgin Islands $300,000. With the exception of the special set-aside allocation, 75 percent of the remaining authorization is allocated to the States on the basis of area and population and 25 percent is placed in a special discretionary fund to be used in any State at the discretion of the Administrator. This bill adds a new provision requiring as a condition precedent to any grant that the Administrator must satisfy himself that reasonable effort, including enactment of zoning laws, has been made to restrict use of land adjacent to airports to make it compatible with the operation of the airport.
__________ International Air Transportation Rates
S. 1540 Passed Senate November 26; pending in House Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee
Gives the Civil Aeronautics Board discretionary authority to prescribe rates and practices and to suspend tariffs in international air transportation to and from the United States under the same standards now applicable in interstate transportation. It imposes a duty on air carriers engaged in foreign air transportation to establish reasonable rates and practices. Essentially the bill gives to CAB the same degree of control over rates and practices of foreign air carriers operating into U.S. territory as foreign countries now have.
CIVIL RIGHTS 1961
Civil Rights Commission Extension
H.R. 7371 Public Law 87264, approved September 21, 1961
Extends the Civil Rights Commission for 2 years, or until September 30, 1963.
Civil Rights, 1963
H.R. 3369 Public Law 88152, approved October 17, 1963
Extends the life of the Civil Rights Commission for 1 year to September 30, 1964.
__________ Equal Pay Act of 1963
S. 1409 Public Law 8838, approved June 10, 1963
The Senate unanimously approved a bill establishing as the national policy that an individual who does equal work must be paid equal compensation regardless of his or her sex. This measure amends the Fair Labor Standards Act which now requires employers to pay that amount of wages which Congress considers to be the minimum necessary for decency and basic human needs $1.25 an hour; that employers who require the services of their employees beyond a 40hour workweek must provide additional compensation to such employees at a time and one half rate; and that the Secretary of Labor has the power to prescribe the condition and hours of work for children. This bill now adds the additional requirement that no employee can be paid a wage rate less than that given to another doing the same work, because of his or her sex. Only those employers who are now subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act will be included within the coverage of this bill.
COMMUNICATIONS 1961
Communication Facilities Protection
S. 1990 Public Law 87306, approved September 26, 1961
Amends section 1362 of title 18 of the United States Code as a further protection of the internal security of the United States by providing penalties for malicious damage to certain communication facilities. The amendment provides that whoever willfully or maliciously injuries or destroys any of the works, property, or material of any radio, telegraph, telephone or cable, line, station, or system, or other means of communication, operated or controlled by the United States, or used or intended to be used for military or civil defense functions of the United States whether constructed or in process of construction, or willfully or maliciously interferes in any way with the working or use of any such line, or system, or willfully or maliciously obstructs, hinders, or delays the transmission of any communication over any line, or system, will be fined up to $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than 10 years, or both. In the case of any works, property, or material, not operated or controlled by the United States, however, this section does not apply to any lawful strike activity, or other lawful concerted activities for the purposes of collective bargaining or other mutual aid and protection which do not injure or destroy any line or system used or intended to be used for military or civil defense functions of the United States.
__________ Telecasting of Professional Sports Contests
H.R. 9096 Public Law 87331, approved September 30, 1961
Authorizes the member clubs of a professional football, baseball, basketball, or hockey league, to pool their separate rights in the sponsored telecasting of their games and to permit the league to sell the resulting package of pooled rights to a television network without violating antitrust laws. It also provides that such package contracts cannot be used to impair college football gates receipts through network telecasts of professional football contests at times when college games are normally played.
__________ Postal Rate Adjustment
H.R. 7927 Public Law 87331, approved September 30, 1961
Briefly, the bill provides for
Postal rate adjustment. Estimated revenue increase of $603 million when fully effective in 1965. First-class letters increased from 4 to 5 cents an ounce, post cards from 3 to 4 cents, air mail from 7 to 8 cents an ounce, and airmail post cards from 5 to 6 cents all effective January 7, 1963. Estimated revenue increase of $437.8 million from letters and post cards and $21.2 million from airmail in fiscal year 1963. Second class increased 4 percent in each of three annual installments in the poundage rate for editorial content of publication, i.e., the current 2 ½cent rate is increased to 2.8 cents in 1965. There are three annual increases, each approximating 10 percent in most of the poundage rates or advertising content, i.e., the closest postal zone to 14 cents to the most distant postal zone, is increased to 4 and 14 cents. Three annual increases in minimum charge per copy, i.e., current one-half cent rate goes to 1 cent in 1965. Eliminated the free-in-county mailing and extended to all within-county mailings the existing 1 cent a pound and one-eighth cent minimum charge which now applies to certain categories of within-county mailings. At beginning of calendar year 1965, pound rate will rise to 1 1/4 cents and the minimum charge per piece to one-quarter cent. Raised by two-tenths cent per pound after 1964 rates on advertising content of publications mailed in zones 1 through 6. Estimated revenue increase of $26.6 million. Controlled circulation publications increased from 12 to 12 ½ cents a pound for the first year and to 13 cents the second, and then to 13 ½ cents. Estimated revenue of $1 million. Third-class single piece rate raised to 4 from 3 cents for first 2 ounces and from 1 ½ to 2 cents for each additional ounce; minimum per piece and 10 and 16 cents a pound for books and circulars to 2 7/8 cents minimum per pound to 12 and 18 cents a pound. Retains present rates of postage on third-class matter mailed in bulk by qualified nonprofit organizations, i.e., 50 percent of regular rates. Continued in effect the current minimum per piece charge on bulk third-class mailings by nonprofit organizations. Estimated revenue increase of $97.2 million in fiscal year 1963. Fourth-class postage rates on books, films, and similar educational materials increased from 9 cents for the first pound to 9 ½ cents during the first year and to 10 cents from then on; continues existing rate of 5 cents on each additional pound.
__________ Communist Political Propaganda
Reinstated the program of screening Communist political propaganda by the Treasury Department; such mail coming from foreign countries will be intercepted and delivered only upon request of the addressee within 60 days after notification. This does not apply to sealed letters, nor to matter addressed to Government agencies, libraries, colleges, universities, graduate schools, scientific or professional institutions for advanced studies; nor would it apply to material addressed for delivery in the United States pursuant to a reciprocal international agreement. In signing the postal rate increase bill President Kennedy said: I am delighted to approve H.R. 7927, which is a bill adjusting postal rates, reforming Federal white-collar statutory salary systems, and establishing a standard for adjusting annuities under the Civil Service Retirement Act. The new postal rates will yield on an annual basis about $600 million of new postal revenues. This is consistent with the fiscal principles I have advocated and is an important step toward a self-sustaining postal system and toward a substantial reduction in the postal deficit.
__________ Third and Fourth Class Mail
H.R. 7559 Public Law 87484, approved June 15, 1962
Under existing law medicines prescribed by a doctor and sent through the mail to the patient must be entered as first-class matter because of the written or typewritten directions; however, patent medicines may be sent as third and fourth-class matter because their directions are printed and qualify for entry into the mails at a rate less than first class. This act removes this inequity by permitting prescription medicine to be sent at the same rate as the patent medicine.
COMMUNICATIONS 1963
Amateur Radio Operators
S. 920 Passed Senate October 16, 1963; pending in House Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee
Amends provisions of the Federal Communications Act of 1934 dealing with operators and station licenses to permit the FCC to authorize alien amateur radio operators to operate their amateur radio stations in the United States, its possessions, and Puerto Rico, provided there is in effect a bilateral agreement between the United States and the alien's government on a reciprocal basis. The primary purpose of the bill is to help American citizens not only tourists but also those who reside overseas, such as military personnel, diplomatic personnel, missionaries, Peace Corps workers, and others who may wish to pursue their amateur radio hobby while away from home.
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__________ Communications Act Petitions
S. 1193 Passed Senate September 25; pending in House Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee
Requires that petitions for intervention in hearings for a broadcasting license be filed with the Federal Communications Commission within 30 days after publication of the issues in the Federal Register. Under existing law, when an application has been designated for hearing, any party in interest who has not been notified of the hearing can acquire the status of a party to the proceeding by filing a petition for intervention showing the basis for his interest at any time prior to 10 days of the actual start of the hearing. This procedure interferes with the expeditious handling and disposition of hearing cases.
__________ Equal Opportunity
House Joint Resolution 247 Passed Senate, amended October 2, 1963
Suspends for the 1964 campaign the equal opportunity requirements of section 315 of the Communications Act of 1934 for nominees for the offices of President and Vice President. This suspension is for 60 days immediately preceding November 3, 1964 voting date for the national election. The provision of section 315(a) suspended by this legislation requires a licensee of a broadcast station who permits any legally qualified candidate for a public office to sue the broadcasting station to afford equal opportunities to all other candidates for that office in the use of the broadcasting station. The censorship provision, however, remains intact. This legislation also provides that the FCC must require broadcasting stations and networks to make such reports as may be necessary to enable the Commission to report to Congress not later than May 1, 965, on the effect of this legislation on the 1964 presidential and vice presidential campaign, and on the role of broadcasting stations and net works in other political campaigns during 1964.
__________ Mail Transportation
H.R. 5179 Public Law 88239, approved December 23, 1963
Authorizes the Postmaster General to negotiate and enter into agreements with motor vehicle passenger-carrying common carriers, without advertising for competitive bids and without bond, for transporting mail over established routes on which the carrier is permitted by law to carry passengers.
__________ Non-Broadcast Operations
S. 1005 Passed Senate, September 25; pending in House Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee
Authorizes the Federal Communications Commission to grant special temporary authorizations for 60 days in those cases where an application for a special temporary authorization is filed pending filing an application for regular operation.
__________ Postal Appropriations
H.R. 5795 Public Law 8851, approved June 29, 1963
Authorizes a 3year suspension of restrictions on withdrawals of postal appropriations from the Treasury. Under existing law the Postmaster General is required to certify that costs of fourth-class parcel post do not exceed revenues by more than 4 percent and, if this relationship does not exist, that he has petitioned the Interstate Commerce Commission to approve a rate adjustment which will bring costs and revenues within this 4percent tolerance. If he does not make this certification to the Treasure Department, he may not make withdrawals from the Treasury of funds appropriated for the operation of the Post Office Department. The Postmaster General stated that he cannot in good conscience petition for a rate increase on parcel post because Department studies show rate increases for parcel post would be self-defeating. Rate increases, according to Department calculations, would reduce volume and thus increase the gap between costs and revenues. Thus the Department required relief as provided by this bill if disruption of postal service was to be avoided.
__________ Postal Stations
H.R. 5778 Public Law 88219, approved December 21, 1963
Grants new authority to the Postmaster General to establish stations, substations, or branches of post offices within 20 miles of the limits or boundaries of a city in which the main post office is located (present limitation is 10 miles). Establishes stations, substations, or branches of post offices at airports regardless of the distance of the airport branch from the limits or boundaries of the city in which the main or parent post office is located.
DEFENSE AND MILITARY 1961
Military Construction Authorization
H.R. 5000 Public Law 8757, approved June 27, 1961
This measure provides construction and other related authority for the Department of Defense, within and outside the United States, and authority for construction of facilities for the Reserve components, in the total amount of $893 ,947,750.
__________ Military Procurement Authorization
S. 1852 Public Law 8753, approved June 21, 1961
This measure authorizes $12,571 million for the procurement of aircraft, missiles, and naval vessels for fiscal 1962. The specific types of aircraft, missiles, and naval vessels t be procured are not designated in the bill in order to provide the Defense Department with more flexibility in this program. In the event of reprogramming, however, the Department will notify the Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations before implementing the proposed changes.
__________ Military Procurement Authorizations Additional
S. 2311 Public Law 87118, approved August 3, 1961
Authorized additional appropriations, as requested by the President on July 26, 1961, t provide for additional equipment primarily to improve the non nuclear defense capabilities of our ground forces and of the Navy and Air Force; to provide increased air and sea lift; and to expand our antisubmarine warfare program. The overall request for additional authorizations for the procurement of weapons, equipment, and ammunition was for $1,753 million; however, of this amount additional authorizations are required only for $958,570,000.
__________ Navy Diving Duty Pay
H.R. 4323 Public Law 87145, approve August 17, 1961
This bill repeals existing law authorizing various forms of pay for personnel engaged in diving duty and established a maximum rate of $110 a month as special pay for military personnel performing diving duty. Under this bill, the Secretary of the Navy will establish a flat rate of $110 for all officers performing diving duty and a scale of from $55 to $100 a month for enlisted personnel depending upon skill and experience. At present, there are three separate types of pay now authorized for persons performing diving duty which will be repealed by this act.
__________ Ready Reservists
Senate Joint Resolution 120 Public Law 87117, approve August 1, 1961
Authorizes the President to order up to 250,000 ready reservists to active duty for not longer than 12 months; part of the increased strength needed will be accomplished by added inductions, additional enlistments, and increased officer procurement. The President can also extend terms of enlistments and appointments where there might be a shortage of trained personnel in areas of critical need in the foreseeable future. The forces called will be those necessary to build up a balanced fighting unit; priority will be for persons who have not previously fought a war or served long periods of active duty and those whose occupation is not essential to maintain the national health, safety, or interest.
__________ Reemployment Rights UMT
H.R. 8765 Public Law 87391, approved October 4, 1961
Amends the reemployment provisions of the Universal Military Training and Service Act to Reinforce the reemployment protection of those who perform additional military service under present conditions (250,000 reservists ordered to active duty under Public Law 87117 of August 1, 1961). Remove a requirement that rejecters must request a leave of absence from their employer to determine their physical fitness to enter the Armed Forces. Assure those who are called for pre-induction examinations and subsequently accepted or rejected are entitled to remain in their employment pending their induction or rejection.
__________ Reserves Participation
H.R. 5490 Public Law 87378, approved October 4, 1961
Provides more flexible regulations regarding terms of enlistment in the National Guard to make service in that unit more attractive; as the law now stands, service is either for 1 or 3 years. Other changes include making ROTC graduate training program run from 3 to 6 months at the discretion of the service Secretary in place of the required 6month active duty requirement. Also includes penalty provisions for those who fail to actively participate during term of service in either the Active Reserve or the National Guard.
__________ Service Alien Enlistment
H.R. 181 Public Law 87143, approved August 17, 1961
This measure authorizes peacetime enlistments in the Army and the Air Force by persons who have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence. Under existing law, in peacetime a person may not be accepted for original enlistment unless he is a citizen of the United States or has made a legal declaration of intention to become a citizen; however, section 4(a) of the Universal Military Training and Service Act provides for registration and induction into the Army Forces of male aliens under certain conditions. Many of these aliens, after serving a part of their military obligation, would like to enlist and make a career in military service but, because of assignment overseas or other circumstances, they are unable to comply with the requirement that an alien must make a legal declaration of intention to become a citizen of the United States before he may be accepted for enlistment. Thus, this bill eliminates the requirement that an alien must have made a legal declaration of his intention to become a citizen of the United States before he is eligible to enlist in the Army or the Air Force. And, in the future, the Army and the Air Force will permit persons to enlist who can furnish proof of lawful admission to the United States for permanent residence.
DEFENSE AND MILITARY 1962
Berlin Resolution
House Concurrent Resolution 570 Senate adopted October 10; House, October 5, 1962
Expressed the sense of Congress that:
The continued exercise of United States, British, and French rights in Berlin constitutes a fundamental political and moral determination; The United States would regard as intolerable any violation by the Soviet Union directly or through others of those rights in Berlin, including the right of ingress and egress; The United States is determined to prevent by whatever means may be necessary, including the use of arms, any violation of those rights by the Soviet Union directly or through others, and to fulfill our commitment to the people of Berlin with respect to their resolve for freedom.
__________ Civil Defense Emergency Authority Extension
H.R. 11743 Public Law 87501, approved June 27, 1962
Extends to June 30, 1966 the provision of title III of the Civil Defense Act which authorizes the President to declare a national emergency for civil defense purposes and to assume emergency powers during such an emergency. Bill now provides that an emergency may be proclaimed by the President or by concurrent resolution of Congress if either finds that an attack upon the United States has occurred or is anticipated. Emergency can be ended by the same process.
_________ Cuban Resolution
Senate Joint Resolution 230 Public Law 87733, approve October 3, 1962
Approved a joint resolution on Cuba stating the United States will use force if necessary to halt the spread of communism in this hemisphere. Purpose of the resolution is to provide a means of expressing national unity regarding U.S. policies toward Cuba. To this end, the resolution declared the United States was determined To prevent by whatever means necessary, including use of arms, the Marxist-Leninist regime in Cuba from extending, by force or the threat of force, its aggressive or subversive activities to any part of this hemisphere; To prevent in Cuba the creation or use of an externally supported military capability endangering the security of the United States; and To work with the Organization of American States and with freedom-loving Cubans to support the aspirations of the Cuban people for self-determination. The reason for the resolution is contained in the following statement made by President Kennedy on September 13, 1962; There has been a great deal of talk on the situation in Cuba in recent days, both in the Communist camp and in our own, and I would like to take this opportunity to set the matter in perspective. In the first place it is Mr. Castro and his supporters who are in trouble. In the last year his regime has been increasingly isolated from this hemisphere. His name no longer inspires the same fear or following in other Latin American countries. He has been condemned by the OAS (Organization of American States), excluded from the Inter-American Defense Board, and kept out of the Free Trade Association. By his own monumental economic mismanagement, supplemented by our refusal to trade with him, his economy has crumbled and his pledges for economic progress have been discarded. Along with his pledges for political freedom his industries are stagnating, his harvests are declining, his own followers are beginning to see that their revolution has been betrayed. So it is not surprising that in a frantic effort to bolster his regime he should try to arouse the Cuban people by charges of an imminent American invasion and commit himself still further to a Soviet takeover in the hope of preventing his own collapse. Ever since communism moved into Cuba in 1958, Soviet technical and military personnel have moved steadily onto the island in increasing numbers at the invitation of the Cuban Government. Now that movement has been increased. It is under our most careful surveillance. But I will repeat the conclusion that I reported last week: That these new shipments do not constitute a serious threat to any other part of this hemisphere. If the United States ever should find it necessary to take military action against communism in Cuba, all of Castro's Communist-supplied weapons and technicians will not change the result or significantly extend the time required to achieve that result. However, unilateral military intervention on the part of the United States cannot currently be either required or justified, and it is regrettable that loose talk about such action in this country might serve to give a thin color of legitimacy to the Communist pretense that such a threat exists. But let me make this clear once again. If at any time the Communist buildup in Cuba were to endanger or interfere with our security in anyway, including our base at Guantanamo, our passage to the Panama Canal, our missile and space activities in Cape Kennedy, or the lives of American citizens in this country, or if Cuba should ever attempt to export its aggressive purposes by force or the threat of force against any nation in this hemisphere or become an offensive military base of significant capacity for the Soviet Union, then this country will do whatever must be done to protect its own security and that of its allies. We shall be alert to and fully capable of dealing swiftly with any such development. As President and Commander in Chief, I have full authority now to take such action. And I have asked the Congress to authorize now to take such action. And I have asked the Congress to authorize me to call up Reserve Forces should this, or any other crisis, make it necessary. In the meantime, we intend to do everything within our power to prevent such a threat from coming into existence. Our friends in Latin America must realize the consequences such developments hold out for their own peace and freedom, and we shall be making further proposals to them. Our friends in NATO must realize the implications of their ships engaging in the Cuban trade. We shall continue to work with Cuban refugee leaders who are dedicated as we are to that nation's future return to freedom. We shall continue to keep the American people and the Congress fully informed. We shall increase our surveillance of the whole Caribbean area. We shall neither initiate nor permit aggression in this hemisphere. Resolution is consistent with this statement and is designed to reinforce it so that there can be no doubt as to the fundamental policy of the United States and as to the determination of the American Government to pursue this policy.
__________ Military Construction Authorization for 1963
H.R. 11131 Public Law 87554, approved July 27, 1962
Authorized $1.4 billion in the current fiscal year for construction of missile bases, barracks, and other military facilities. More than half the total is for the Air Force, which is allotted $743,379,000. The Navy is authorized to spend $213,688,000 and the Army $148,442,000. The Defense Department receives $33,650,000. The measure also allots $15 million to each of the three military departments for emergency construction. Authorized $263,983,500 to cover construction of 13,892 housing units. The bill includes $46,500,000 for Reserve Forces and $6,030,000 to make up deficiencies in funds for previously authorized construction.
__________ MILITARY PROCUREMENT AUTHORIZATION FOR 1963
H.R. 9751 Public Law 87436, approved April 27, 1962
Authorized $12,969,300,000 for military procurement.
__________ Quarters Allowances Increase for Military
H.R. 11221 Public Law 87531, approved July 10, 1962
Amended the Career Compensation Act to increase the basic quarters allowance for military career people (from E4 to O10; that is, corporal to general) in order to meet the increased cost of housing in the civilian market; and Increased housing allowance for dependents of temporary military personnel and those below E4 under the Dependents Assistance Act of 1950. Purpose of the first provision is to bring the quality of housing for career military people into line with that afforded civilians of roughly the same income level. At present, some 61 percent of these personnel live in non-governmental housing. Increases under this section would range from 17.5 percent for a general to 66 percent for a master sergeant. The second provision would upgrade amount of aid (for housing) to dependents of temporary or lower grade personnel an average of 7 percent. This aid goes to the dependents, not to the military man involved, although he must make the allotment from his own pay. Last increase for either program came in 1952 when Congress made a flat 14percent increase in both. Flat increases were rejected this time, and a civilian cost concept was used to arrive at a graduated scale which would allegedly reflect reality more accurately. Changes in the Career Compensation Act become effective January 1, 1963.
_______ Ready Reservists Standby Authority
Senate Joint Resolution 224 Public Law 87736, approve October 3, 1962
Congress unanimously approved standby authority until February 28, 1963, for the President to Recall up to 150,000 members of the Ready Reserve to active duty for not more than 12 months. Extend enlistments, appointments, periods of active duty, or obligated periods of training, service, or status for not more than 12 months. This authority was requested by the President in the following letter:
THE WHITE HOUSE Washington, DC, September 7, 1962.
Hon. LYNDON B. JOHNSON, President of the Senate, Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. President: I transmit herewith a draft of a proposed bill to authorize the President to order units and members in the Ready Reserve to active duty for not more than 12 months, and for other purposes. In my judgment this renewed authorization is necessary to permit prompt and effective responses, as necessary, to challenges which may be presented in any part of the free world, and I hope that the Congress will give its prompt support to this authorization, as it did, so effectively, a year ago. Sincerely,
JOHN F. KENNEDY
In some respects the authority contained in the resolution is similar to that in Senate Joint resolution 120 of the 87th Congress, which became Public Law 87117. The principal differences in the authority itself are that the authority extends only until February 28, 1963, and that the number of reservists who may be recalled is only 150,000. The resolution of 1961 was intended to meet the Berlin crisis. The current resolution is not designed to meet a single threat, but it is inspired by the realization that the interests of the United States and the free world are threatened in many areas such as Berlin, Cuba, and southeast Asia. Another important difference is that there are no immediate plans to use the authority contained in this resolution. The strength of the active duty forces has been substantially increased since 1961. For example, the number of combat divisions in the Army has been increased from 11 to 16, or by 45 percent. Despite the additions in the personnel and material readiness of the Armed Forces, the United States may be confronted with situations during the adjournment of Congress in which additional manpower would be needed quickly. The President does have the authority to order members of the Ready Reserve to active duty involuntarily if he proclaimed a national emergency; however, a proclamation of national emergency would confer additional powers that are not now required. Participation by Congress in granting this authority demonstrates a solidarity and unity of determination by the executive branches to defend the vital interest of this Nation and the free world. Under this resolution not more than 150,000 members of the Ready Reserve can be involuntarily ordered to active duty and the authority will exist only until February 28, 1963; and the members of the Reserve who may be called can be required to serve not more than 12 months.
__________ Renegotiation Act Extension
H.R. 12061 Public Law 87520, approved July 3, 1962
Extended to June 30, 1964, the Renegotiation Act of 1951. The act of 1951 authorized the Renegotiation Board to write new contract terms for Government contractors if it determined the existing contract results in excessive profits to them. The renegotiation procedure was first employed by the Government in World War II and has been used in its present form since the Korean War. Under the 1951 act a contractor can appeal a Renegotiation Board decision to the Tax Court. The 1962 act contains the Talmadge amendment permitting a contractor to appeal a Tax Court decision to the court of appeals.
_________ Reserves Lumpsum Payments
H.R. 8773 Public Law 87509, approved June 28, 1962
This bill is designed to improve the status of Reserve members on active duty and involuntarily released to inactive duty. The idea is to equalize treatment between Reserves and Regulars. To do this the bill
Increases the readjustment payment to 2 months' basic pay for each year of active duty for a Reserve member released after 5 years' active duty (existing law provides one-half of 1 month's basic pay). Authorizes maximum readjustment of 2 years' basic pay or $15,000, whichever is less. Denies any entitlement pay to Reserves released from active duty because of moral or professional dereliction. Provides where a reservist has received his readjustment pay and subsequently found eligible for disability compensation by the VA, he can receive compensation by repaying the three-fourths of the readjustment pay he received. (Existing law requires a reservist to choose between readjustment pay and disability compensation.) Repeals the requirement that a Reserve officer on active duty and twice passed over for promotion must be given a board hearing before he can be released to inactive duty. Repeals the requirement a reservist must elect between readjustment pay and breach-of-contract pay. (Only the Marine Corps has used contract authority for reservists to any extent.) It is contended, however, since breach-of-contract pay is compensation for the Government breaking a contract and readjustment pay is compensation for a delay in beginning a civilian occupation these are not necessarily alternative forms of compensation. Cost Department of Defense estimates the bill will cost about $8 million additional a year for each of the fiscal years 1962 through 1966.
__________ Travel Expenses
H.R. 7723 Public Law 87500, approved June 27, 1962
Increased to $16 (now $12) a day the maximum per diem allowance in lieu of subsistence for members of the armed services. Authorized reimbursement for actual expenses up to $30 a day where military personnel are required to travel on assignments involving personal expenditures well in excess of the allowable reimbursement rate. Reimbursement for actual expenses will be governed by regulations of the Secretary concerned.
DEFENSE AND MILITARY, 1963
Air Force Personnel
H.R. 6681 Public Law 8863, approved July 17, 1963
Extends for 2 years, to June 30, 1965, present temporary authority for an additional 4,000 officers in the grade of lieutenant colonel in the Air Force. Under the permanent provisions of existing law the Air Force is authorized for the active duty force approximately 10,825 officers in the grade of lieutenant colonel, based on its present total officer strength of 129,000. Temporary legislation has been in effect since September 1, 1961, authorizing an additional 4,000 officers for the lieutenant colonel grade, making a total of 14,825. The need for extension of this authority is based on both the existing number of lieutenant colonels on active duty in the Air force and the anticipated requirements for this grade.
__________ Alien Enlistment
H.R. 3005 Public Law 88236, approved December 23, 1963
Authorizes enlistments in the Reserves by persons who have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence.
__________ Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range
H.R. 5222 Public Law 88119, approved September 6, 1963
This bill withdraws from the public domain 132,572 acres of land in Imperial County, Calif., and reserves this land for the continued use of the Department of the Navy as part of the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range.
__________ Corregidor- Bataan Memorial Commission
H.R. 7044 Public Law 88240, approved December 23, 1963
Authorizes the appropriation of $1,500,000 to develop Corregidor Island in Manila Bay as a memorial site to the Philippine and American soldiers, sailors, and marines who lost their lives while serving in the Pacific area during World War II.
__________ Draft Extension
H.R. 2438 Public Law 882, approved March 28, 1963
Extended until July 1, 1967 Authority to induct persons into the Armed Forces.
Authority to issue selective service calls for physicians and dentists. Suspension of permanent limitations on the active duty strength of the Armed Forces. Authority to pay quarters allowance to all enlisted members of the Armed Forces with dependents. Authority for special pay to physicians, dentists, and veterinarians.
__________ Land Withdrawal--Aerial Gunnery Range
H.R. 4588 Public Law 88161, approved October 29, 1963
Permits withdrawal from the public domain 306,555 acres of land in San Bernardino County, Calif., and reserves them for the continued use of the Navy Department as the major part of the Mojave B Aerial Gunnery Range.
__________ Military Construction Authorization
H.R. 6500 Public Law 88174, approved November 7, 1963
This measure provides construction and other related authority for the Department of Defense, within and outside the United States, and authority for construction of facilities for the Reserve components in the total amount of $1,642,253,380 for fiscal 1964.
__________ Military Pay Increase
H.R. 5555 Public Law 88132, approved October 2, 1963
Authorizes pay increases averaging 16 percent for military personnel with 2 years' or more service at a cost of $1.2 billion a year, effective October 1, 1963. This bill, the largest pay bill in history and the first since 1958, provides increases ranging from $60 to 110 a month for officers. For enlisted personnel, the range is from $5 in the lowest rank to $120 for senior sergeants and Navy petty officers. The largest total outlay for both officers and enlisted personnel is earmarked for those in the middle or hard-to-keep ranks. For example, captains and Navy lieutenants, corporals, and third-class petty officers will receive approximately $300 million, or about one-fourth of the total. Only military personnel with at least 2 years in the service will benefit from the pay increases. Most of the $1.2 billion will be added to basic pay of the active duty forces, but the legislation also benefits reservists, military retirees, and widows. In addition, it increases special pay awarded to doctors, establishes a "family separation" allowance, and institutes new pay for men subjected to hostile fire, revamps overseas pay, and ties future increases in retired pay to cost-of-living advances. When the basic pay boosts are added to other emoluments already authorized for military personnel, top pay in the Armed Forces will be $32,607, which will go to two of the members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; the remaining three each will receive $30,627. These totals include a special $4,000 allowance paid only to the five JCS members to ease the burden of additional expenses they encounter in their demanding assignments. The basic monthly pay for all five of the top military leaders is boosted from $1,875 to $1,970. Each also receives a monthly quarters allowance of $201 and a monthly subsistence allowance of $47.88 as part of the total compensation. The Coast Guard leader's base pay, along with that of other four-star officers who are not JCS members, is raised from $1,700 to $1,785 a month. Counting both pay and allowances, the total compensation of four-star aviators will be $28,587; other four-star officers, $26,707. The Armed Forces have only 35 four-star generals and admirals including the Joint Chiefs. On a percentage basis, generals and admirals receive the smallest increase--about 5 percent. The senior military medical officer will be the highest paid three-star officer in the Armed Forces--total pay and allowances will be $26,558, counting $4,200 in special medical pay. Military doctors currently receive an extra $100 or $150 a month during their first 6 years, $200 in the 6th to 10th years, and $250 after 10 years' service. The pay act boosts the latter amounts to $250 and $350. These payments are in addition to other pay and allowances. Total compensation, with one exception, of other generals and admirals in one, two, and three-star ranks will range from $17,808 for a brigadier general to $23,868 for a three-star aviator; there are 105 three-star officers, 484 two-star, and 658 in the one-star pay category. Total compensation for officers in the ranks of major through colonel will range from $11,000 to $17,556, excluding doctors but counting flight pay for aviators. Total pay and allowances in the three junior officer grades range from $4,560 to $11,136, excluding doctors but counting flight pay. Total compensation for a sergeant major or master chief petty officer will be about $7,632 with 20 years' service exclusive of any special pay to which the man may be entitled. Special pay is awarded for assignments to hazardous duty (such as flying), for Incentive purposes to attract men into certain programs, and for demonstrated "proficiency" in technical and skilled fields. This bill provides that men performing multiple hazardous assignments can receive two hazardous-duty pays. Under existing law he was entitled to only one. This bill also creates a new, special pay for those exposed to "hostile fire" in the cold war. Both officers and enlisted men who qualify will receive an additional $55 a month. Foreign duty pay for enlisted personnel is now an additional $8 to $22.50 a month depending on rank. This bill permits the Secretary of Defense to eliminate the payments from all but "hardship" type posts. However, to protect those already on duty in Alaska, Hawaii, or outside the United States, the law prescribes that men receiving foreign duty pay on September 30 will continue while they remain at their present post to receive their present basic plus overseas pay if the total is more than they would get in basic pay under the new pay scales. The pay act establishes a new "family separation" allowance for members with dependents. Those whose assignments separate them from their families will receive an extra $30 a month and/or an additional quarters allowance. The $30 payment is designed to assist military wives in paying the added expense of hiring help to do the various "handyman" jobs normally performed by husbands. The added quarters payment goes to those who have to maintain both a home for their family and rent commercial quarters for themselves at stations where their families cannot accompany them. A member eligible for both payments is entitled to both. Increases pensions of widows whose husbands have died or die on active duty or of service-connected causes after leaving the Armed Forces. Under a separate law--the Survivor Benefits Act--widows now receive monthly payments of $112 plus 12 percent of the basic pay to which their deceased husband would be entitled if still on active duty. The Survivor Act has just been amended by Congress to boost the $112 portion of the payment to $120. In conjunction with the pay bill, this means widows now will receive $120 plus 12 percent of the 1963 pay scales. Retirees will receive a 5percent cost-of-living increase, except those persons retired under the Career Compensation Act prior to June 1, 1958, may re-computed their retired pay on the basis of the 1958 pay act or take the 5percent increase which is greater.
__________ Military Procurement
H.R. 2440 Public Law 8828, approved May 23, 1963
Authorized $15,314,291,000 during fiscal 1964 for procurement, research, development, test, and evaluation of aircraft, missiles, and naval vessels for the Armed Forces.
__________ Military Training
H.R. 6996 Public Law 88110, approved September 3, 1963
Permanently fixes 6 years of service for enlistees in Reserve program to fulfill their military obligations through a revision, consolidation, and extension of the laws under which the so-called 6month training program and other special Reserve enlistment programs have been operated. This bill simplifies the special enlistment programs by consolidating the authority for a single special enlistment program for all the Reserve components. It provides for the continuation of the so-called 6month training program modified to permit its utilization by all the Reserve components and by providing a uniform Reserve obligation of 6 years. A minimum period of active duty for training of not less than 4 months will be required. Persons who volunteer may be given active duty for training of longer periods to qualify them in military specialties that are needed by their units.
__________ Military Travel
H.R. 4338 Public Law 88238, approved December 23, 1963
Authorizes reimbursement to a member of the uniformed services for travel performed by him or his dependents, or both, under orders directing him to make a change of station that are subsequently canceled, revoked, or modified.