Richard Nixon: “These are prudent and limited steps that recognize the realities of our present balance-of-payments situation”

I take this occasion once again to urge prompt and final action on the Trade Reform Act.

I firmly believe that our current fiscal situation demands national unanimity on the issues of a larger concern.

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.

I also call upon appropriate community organizations to cooperate with the Customs Service in recognizing 185 years of mutually beneficial relationships.