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| [NOV 15, 1961]
(We are still experimenting with the form
of our newsletters, weighing readability, speed of reproduction and cost.
Though in different form, this report is a continuation of our last newsletter
which was printed.)
CONGRESSMAN'S REPORT by Morris K. Udall WHAT CONGRESS DID: PART II I have characterized the past session as one of moderation, pointing out that the session is attacked by the liberals as "disappointing" and by the GOP "truth squads" as "too radical." Congress has acted on many international and national problems but with caution. This, I believe, is a reflection of the mood of the people. Continuing with brief reports on some of the DOMESTIC actions ... Juvenile Delinquency Act Establishes a three year comprehensive program of federal assistance to states, local and private agencies to develop pilot programs to devise methods for combatting juvenile delinquency. Authorizes $10 million during each of the three years. Saline Water Conversion Expansion Program expanded and extended for six years. $75 million a year authorized for research and for development and operation of demonstration plants to convert sea and brackish water to fresh water. Mine Safety Study Authorized Secretary of Interior authorized to conduct two year study covering causes and prevention of accidents and illness in both metal and nonmetallic mines, excluding coal and lignite mines. Small Business Act Amendments Borrowing authority increased by $105 million. New program to assist small firms to obtain fair share of federal contracts. In the first eight months of this year, 36 small Arizona firms received loans of $2,578,300. In addition, the Small Business Administration was instrumental in awarding 193 prime contracts totaling $4,168,782 to state businesses. Mexican Farm Labor Program Extended Extension is for two years. Program modified slightly to require U.S. employers to make reasonable effort to obtain domestic farm workers at wages, hours, and working conditions comparable to those offered Mexican workers. Employment of Mexican farm workers (braceros) reached a peak of 14,300 in Arizona last year. Federal School Aid for Impacted Areas Extended School Districts in which there is federal activity will continue to receive aid for construction and operation of schools. Extension is for two years. One third of Arizona's school districts received $7½ million in such aid in the 1960-61 school year. Subsidies for Small Lead-Zinc Mines A four year program of assistance with a total of $16½ million authorized (but not yet appropriated). in Arizona an estimated 24 mines would be eligible to receive a total of about $245,000 the first year. Citizens Win Vote The 23rd Amendment to the Constitution was implemented when procedures were established so residents of the District of Columbia can vote for president and vice-president in 1964. MORE |
| Page Two---Congressman's Report---WHAT CONGRESS
DID: PART II
FOREIGN AND DEFENSE MEASURES While Congress enacted much important domestic legislation, the attention of representatives and senators more and more was drawn to the increasing crises on the international scene. Some of the actions which resulted: Largest Peacetime Defense Budget Expenditures for the military function of the Department of Defense and for foreign military assistance activities will total about $48.4 billion. That will represent 54 per cent of all federal expenditures. Congress increased Defense Department appropriations $6.4 billion over the amount set for 1961. The aim is to provide superior nuclear and non-nuclear striking forces. The Defense Department spent more than $214 million in Arizona last fiscal year. Civil Defense Congress gave the Defense Department responsibility for protecting the civilian population and allocated $207 million for a shelter survey program now underway. Another $100 million dollars was allotted for emergency supplies. Atomic Energy $2.7 billion will be spent for nuclear weapons development and production, purchase of uranium concentrates, the civilian atomic power development program, and other activities of the Atomic Energy Commission. AEC fellowships and assistance to Arizona schools totaled $49,603 in 1960 fiscal year. It is estimated that AEC will spend $6.2 million for uranium purchases this year. Space Race $1.7 billion authorized for the National Aeronautics and Space Agency and the race for supremacy in space. Foreign aid (which I have covered in a nine-page report), the Peace Corps, increased authorizations for Food for Peace Program, funds for Inter-American Social and Economic Cooperation Program, authorization for presidential call-up of 250,000 ready reservists, creation of a U.S. Arms Control Agency, and resolutions expressing the sense of Congress against seating of Communist China in the United Nations are all further manifestations of congressional action in the broad and related fields of defense and foreign activity. ARIZONA LEGISLATION The Colorado River Bridge near Needles, no longer desired by the Corps of Engineers, was turned over to the counties of Mohave, Arizona and San Bernardino, California. A land exchange to improve Wupatki National Monument was made possible. Other measures affecting various parts of Arizona were given study in committee and by departments, including bills to create Fort Bowie in Cochise County and Hubbell Trading Post in Apache County national historic sites; to further international status for Yuma's airport; to honor Father Eusebio Francisco Kino; to add 16,000 acres to Saguaro National Monument and pave the way for a county park. A bill designed to solve a controversy over uranium mining at Grand Canyon passed the Senate and is pending in the House of Representatives. Two subcommittees of the House Interior and Insular Affairs Committee scheduled hearings in Arizona on bills of vital interest to the state. Being aired are proposals to sell mineral rights to owners of surface land in urban and suburban areas and to release public lands which are deemed most suitable for urban activity. # |
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