Compared with the funds required for other programs for the national good, those requested by this Commission for this program are modest indeed.

This work, now progressing with such momentum, must not be allowed to falter.

Because Washington is the Nation's capital, the National Government has, and must continue to have, a special responsibility and a special relationship to the District of Columbia.

The additional general fund financing in fiscal year 1964, for which legislative authority will be needed, will provide the District with the funds necessary to enable it to qualify for and participate in these programs.

Let us make it a city of which the Nation may be proud-an example and a showplace for the rest of the world.

I again urge that the Congress restore to District residents the basic right to local self-government.

As I say, I am sure that if we meet in 6 months or 9 months or a year, with your help we can really make a contribution in the best voluntary sense between the Government and the people working for a very important national objective.

Expenditures for trust funds will also increase, chiefly reflecting continued expansions in the self-financed social security and highway programs.

We cannot permit, through the sixties, an important segment of our population to be denied an opportunity to find decent jobs, to be the first to be unemployed and the last to be rehired, and to be at the bottom of the ladder, and regard…

The Federal budget has a double importance: It is an agenda of our purposes and priorities in the form of a plan for the conduct and financing of the public business.

To that end--as I pledged last year--the 1964 budget incorporates a major program of tax reduction and reform, designed to help speed the economy toward full employment and a higher rate of growth with price stability.

Adoption of the tax program I am proposing will strengthen our Nation's economic vitality.

I hope that the signing of these Plans for Progress is really only the beginning.

Our tax program will promote fuller use of our resources and more rapid economic growth.

They agreed on the necessity to further prepare for the forthcoming Geneva Conference and expressed the hope that this conference would achieve positive results.

Adoption of the tax program I am proposing will strengthen our Nation's economic vitality, and by so doing, will provide the basis for sharply increased budget revenues in future years.

I just want to express appreciation to all of you for taking part in this effort.

Our economy has been falling short of its productive potential for more than 5 years because total demand for goods and services by consumers and business firms has been insufficient to keep the economy operating at capacity.

Our present choice is not between a tax cut and a balanced budget.

This issue must be faced squarely.

If you can see if your companies can do the same thing, assign people who have the responsibility, and keep good records, let us see whether in a period of 6 months or a year we can really improve our national posture in this regard.

Mr. Prime Minister, I am delighted to welcome you back to the United States, to welcome back an old friend I have known for a great many years, and to welcome back the head of a distinguished and longtime friend, the Republic of Italy.

Your own willingness to devote your time and energy to that important undertaking and the dedication to public service which you have demonstrated in this and so many other ways are very much appreciated

I am going to destroy them. I am going to make them my friends.

I am confident that actions on these recommendations will contribute materially to improved administration of Federal regulatory programs