Richard Nixon: “By virtue of the authority vested in me by section 5317 of title 5 of the United States Code, as amended”

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.

This was a serious act of omission for which I take full responsibility and which I deeply regret.

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

I invite the Governors of the States and of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and other officials at the local level to issue similar proclamations.