I HAVE signed today two bills which will expand and reform pension payments and compensation benefits for America's veterans and their dependents.

The legislation I have signed today recognizes the special obligation our country owes them.

This Order shall become effective upon publication in the Federal Register.

I remind the Congress, therefore, to consider fully the implications of the absence of any statutory means to deal with any further emergencies.

I must share the view of those of its supporters who proclaim this to be the most radical piece of legislation to emerge from the Ninety-second Congress.

Even if OEO legislation were to come separately to my desk, containing these provisions, I would be compelled to veto it as inconsistent with the best interest of America's poor.

This legislation undertakes three major Federal commitments in the field of social welfare: extension of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, creation of a National Legal Services Corporation, and establishment of a comprehensive child…

Last week, I signed into law the comprehensive health manpower training act of 1971 and the Nurse Training Act of 1971.

I believe passage of such a measure would be a great mistake.

I will, therefore, propose legislation to acquire the requisite legal interest in 547,000 acres of the swamp.

I request that any definite legislative action on this subject be deferred until Part II of the Report has been transmitted to the Congress.

The chief provisions of these two new acts are as follows: 1. Per Capita Assistance.

To avoid any possible misconceptions, I wish to emphasize that section 601 of this act--the so-called Mansfield Amendment-does not represent the policies of this Administration.

It is because section 601 of this bill will not in fact alter this policy that I have signed it into law.

I am also renewing my request that the Senate give its advice and consent on the two new international conventions on oil spills and the pending amendments to the 1954 Oil Spills Convention.

It is to this end that I urge prompt and favorable consideration of this landmark legislation.

I urge the Congress to act favorably upon them.

This could bring about bank loans during Fiscal Year 1972 of $94.5 million to telephone borrowers--and the 1972 budget assumes timely enactment of this legislation.