Richard Nixon: “I say it's time we took a new look at the draft—at the question of permanent conscription in a free society.”

I have concluded that because of the Watergate matter, I might not have the support of the Congress that I would consider necessary to back the very difficult decisions and carry out the duties of this office in the way the interests of…

Further study is essential if we are to avoid ineffective Federal spending for these purposes.

And as I leave, let me say, that is an example I think all of us should remember.

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.