Richard Nixon: “I would like to spend a few minutes thinking with you this afternoon about the birthright we ought to guarantee for…”

This legislation exceeds my budgetary recommendations by such a large amount--some $540 million--that it presents a clear and distinct threat to our fight against inflation and cannot be accepted.

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

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.

To leave office before my term is completed is abhorrent to every instinct in my body.