Richard Nixon

First, it was time that this Commission, which will report in 2 years, be appointed.

I think you should know that in the California Legislature, a short time ago, a resolution was introduced by one of the legislators to honor Squire Behrens for 40 years of reporting events in the California Legislature. Squire got the bill…

In reading many of the anecdotes about Arthur Krock, I think perhaps the favorite one as far as I am concerned.

Mr. President has been a very close personal friend and very valued counselor has been the next recipient, Mr. Raymond Moley.

The exceptional response to this challenge by the United States government is something in which all Americans can take pride.

I am also recommending that the Congress extend for two years the expanded unemployment compensation provisions of the Disaster Relief Act of 1969.

THIS IS the first time that we have used the new press facility for the purpose of swearing in a commission or, for that matter, any individual.

It should not be necessary for individuals to travel from one place to another and then to still another location in order to obtain the help which various agencies of the Federal government are providing.

We believe we met that test; at the direction of the Office of Emergency Preparedness, the Department of Housing and Urban Development was able to place more than 5,000 mobile homes in the disaster area.

I read now the citation: EARL CHARLES BEHRENS 'Through almost fifty years as a reporter, he has shown that a great newspaperman is one who combines inexhaustible energy with insatiable curiosity and impeccable judgment.'

The Federal role is only one part of the overall response of the Nation.

Each of you will get one and that is your compensation for the next 2 years.

The spirit of neighborliness, the readiness to extend a helping hand in time of trouble, is one of the great traditions of this country.

Nothing in this order shall be construed as subjecting any Federal agency or officer, or any function vested by law in, or assigned pursuant to law to, any Federal agency or officer, to the authority of the Council or of any other agency…

I have therefore directed the Office of Emergency Preparedness to act as a central clearing house for all Federal research which is related to disasters.

Accordingly, I am proposing legislation which would extend the Federal government's authority to assist State and local governments in disaster prevention and damage reduction activities.

The award was made before his death and he was told about it.

Those who participated in it deserve our commendation.

It was Jefferson, I think, who perhaps made the most cogent comment about the relationship between press and the Government.

Now, Judge, if you will swear them in, we will see in 2 years whether it was worth doing.

I wish he would sell them to the Government at the same rate.

Only one of our recipients tonight cannot be with us.

This happens to be Earth Day.

Accordingly, I have asked that such a study be carried out and that its recommendations be given to me by December 31, 1970.

The funds which supported these activities are specifically appropriated to the President for the purpose of relieving suffering and repairing damage when disasters strike.