Richard Nixon: “That possibility has been considered by the State Department and by me.”

Our military forces deter potential aggressors and, together with those of our allies, serve to assure the continued security of the free world.

I am pleased that in this bill the Congress has expressed support for our objectives by authorizing $22.2 billion for military procurement purposes during fiscal year 1975.

I take this occasion once again to urge prompt and final action on the Trade Reform Act.

It is regrettable that the Congress has seen fit to add to a bill of such importance to our national security a rider adversely affecting the constitutional separation of powers.