Gerald Ford actually said...

"Gaining congressional support for the items contained in this transmittal... is absolutely vital if we are to make any headway against inflation by controlling Federal expenditures."

"The responsible apportionment of congressional appropriations and other Federal budget authority is an essential--though often controversial--element of budget execution."

"I intend to keep it that way--and I call upon you to see to it that the merit principles contained in the Civil Service Act and the personnel laws and regulations are fully and effectively carried out..."

"The law to which this message pertains is no exception."