Richard Nixon

This is the second opportunity I have had during my Administration to sign into effect an increase in disabled veterans compensation benefits.

I take a very special satisfaction in this annual report.

This Administration has a firm commitment, which we are fulfilling, to restore the United States to the rank of a first-class maritime power.

But as long as we remain true to the ideals of America, as long as our energy does not flag and our faith does not fail, no problem is too great and no evil is too strong to be overcome by a united American people.

It is now our responsibility to see that these needed increases in income for our senior citizens are not eaten up by increases in the cost of living.

I am deeply concerned with the economic well-being of all American workers.

I am pleased that we can provide this extended eligibility to our unemployed American workers.

I would also like to express my appreciation to the Congress for their cooperation with my efforts to have this act delivered to me so that I can sign it into law before midnight tonight [June 30].

I invite the members of the Congress to share my pleasure and pride in the truly remarkable work of the National Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

I am pleased to announce today the award of nearly $660 million in contracts for the construction of 16 new, advanced design merchant ships in five U.S. shipyards.

I place the Congress on notice now that if this occurs--if fiscally irresponsible riders are then attached to that debt ceiling bill, for which it is not possible to find offsetting cuts in other programs--then I will not hesitate to…

It will, however, provide some assurance that a very important wetland complex in south San Francisco Bay will remain.

The Federal Government has a vital role as catalyst, innovator and supporter of public and private efforts for cultural development.

The United States, as the leading Nation engaged in world trade, must in its own self-interest have a merchant marine commensurate with its large stake in international commerce.

I am determined that we shall win the battle against inflation--and that fiscally irresponsible policies shall not again penalize all Americans, and especially the older citizens whom these benefit increases are designed to help, by taking…

My belief that offsetting cuts in other programs can be made--although they may be painful--together with my belief that older Americans need and deserve increased benefits, permits me to sign this measure.

The new San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge will be administered by the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife within the Department of the Interior.

Debt ceiling bills are a tempting target for such maneuvers, because the Government quickly becomes unable to function if the ceiling falls back below the actual level of Government debt.

Today's awards, when added to the previous contracts under my program, make a grand total so far of $1.1 billion in new or modernized merchant ships.

I am pleased that these benefit increases will soon be helping over a million of our most deserving men and women.

I AM pleased to have signed H.R. 15587 which extends for an additional 6 months the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 1971.

The bill I have signed will not reclaim those wetlands which have been lost.

I am gratified that the Congress has responded to my request with this act.

I, Richard Nixon, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 15, 1972, as White Cane Safety Day.

The public and legislative debate regarding passage of H.R. 13918 has convinced me that the problems posed by Government financing of a public broadcast system are much greater than originally thought.