Richard Nixon: “I urge that this time we not wait for the next emergency, but rather join together in acting upon it now.”

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

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.

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.

As a result of these efforts, I am confident that the world is a safer place today, not only for the people of America but for the people of all nations, and that all of our children have a better chance than before of living in peace…