John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Some years ago, as a Marine pilot, he raced the sun across this country--and lost.

But this is the new ocean, and I believe the United States must sail on it and be in a position second to none.

I know that I express the great happiness and thanksgiving of all of us that Colonel Glenn has completed his trip, and I know that this is particularly felt by Mrs. Glenn and their two children.

The pay schedules I am recommending will regularize and generally enlarge the differences in salaries between successive grade levels,

The Advisory Panel on Federal Salary Systems, chaired by Mr. Clarence Randall, in its recent report called it 'not only equitable but valid and eminently desirable.'

Few days ago, Colonel Glenn came to the White House and visited me.

It is at these grades that we employ our top scientists, doctors, engineers, experts, and managers.

This proposal has two principal features: (1) It establishes a sound, objective and continuous standard for determining proper salary levels by following the concept of comparability

We have a long way to go in the space race.

We properly establish high standards for our public servants.

This will furnish a greater incentive for employees striving to prepare themselves for higher responsibilities.

The salaries for the services they perform should be fixed under well-understood and objective standards.

I have found no more sensible standard for determining Government salaries.

Listen, Colonel, we are really proud of you, and I must say you did a wonderful job.

We can no longer defer the necessary corrective measures or continue the existing lack of standards;

Federal salaries generally do not compare favorably and cannot compete successfully with private industry.

Some months ago I said that I hoped every American would serve his country.

As I pointed out in my State of the Union address last month, the time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.

It is my sincere wish and that of the people of the United States that you will enjoy a successful term of office.

Please accept my warm greetings and best wishes.

Plan and direct national programs for the maintenance of purity and safety in the manufacture and distribution of food, drugs, and biologicals in an emergency.

These plans and programs shall be designed to develop a state of readiness in these areas with respect to all conditions of national emergency, including attack upon the United States.

The Secretary is hereby authorized to redelegate within the Department of Agriculture the functions hereinabove assigned to him.

The Secretary shall provide technical guidance to State and local governments to the end that all planning concerned with functions assigned herein will be effectively coordinated.

Develop plans and issue guidance designed to utilize to the maximum extent the existing civilian health resources of the Federal Government.