Richard Nixon: “To the Members of the 92d Congress I say: Let us open the New Year in a new spirit.”

Mistakes, yes. But for personal gain, never.

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.

Always give your best, never get discouraged, never be petty.

Two weeks ago, I vowed to the American people that any appropriations bill substantially above my budget for fiscal year 1975 would be vetoed.