Richard Nixon

I recommend that the Senate give early and favorable consideration to Additional Protocol II and give its advice and consent to ratification, subject to the statement which accompanies the report of the Secretary of State.

I feel that I must use that authority at this time in order to pay for the increased spending called for in this veterans bill.

We must make every effort to fulfill all of our responsibilities to those who have done so much for us.

I sign it because I recognize the Nation's debt to those who have served in the Armed Forces and its special obligation to those who have been disabled in its service.

It would help drive up interest rates and taxes.

I realize that an election year is a tempting time for people in politics to say yes to every spending bill.

It is my belief that the National Corporation for Housing Partnerships will make an important contribution to solving our Nation's housing problems.

My budget asked $3.97 billion for the educational purposes covered by this bill-an increase of $972 million in spending over fiscal 1969.

I am today vetoing two bills the Congress has passed that would spend nearly $1 billion more than my budget recommendation.

A President is not elected to see any one bill in isolation.

But if I were to sign these bills that spend nearly $1 billion more than we can now afford, I would be saying yes to higher prices, yes to higher interest rates, yes to higher taxes.

I am determined to hold the line against a dangerous budget deficit.

In both cases, the level proposed by Congress is a threat to every American's pocketbook.

It seems to me that this committee, this Council, has one of the most difficult and, at the same time, one of the most challenging assignments of any of the many government institutions that we have in Washington or throughout the country.

Even in this period of transition to a healthy consumer economy, we must counter the kind of unemployment--and its effects--that was considered normal in the early sixties.

I, therefore, call on all States to make the changes in their own unemployment insurance laws which are necessary to take advantage of this new law as soon as possible.

Payments of unemployment compensation are $3 billion annually.

I sign this legislation with pride since it represents a prime example of this administration's commitment to recognizing problems in advance, and to offering solutions which can be considered in a rational and orderly manner--rather than…

The extension of insurance coverage to 4.8 million additional workers is an example of this administration's dedication to helping the American workingman-including the poor and the minority worker.

This new unemployment insurance law that I sign today is also one more bulwark against the possibility of any future downturn, and strong evidence that this Nation will not permit the burden of the fight against the high cost of living to…

In addition, we must examine our information control system and develop efficient alternatives to traditional reporting methods.

I expect all of you to give this effort your full support and to report your accomplishments to me by the end of fiscal year 1971.

Mr. Kunzig, Administrator, General Services Administration, will assume the lead in coordinating this project.

I have repeatedly stressed the need to streamline the management activities of the executive branch.

The hearts of all Americans go to your country and to you as you go forward in a program of progress and peace for your people and for all the people of Africa.