I have recommended to the Congress that we take 24 primary, secondary...education categorical grant programs, consolidate them in one block grant program.

I'm always optimistic, but the time delay is very bothersome.

I want to keep it that way, and I think you do, too.

I have taken affirmative action to ensure that America's alliances are strong.

I fought hard to cut Government spending, to curb inflation, and to maintain a sound economy.

The Nation's grain reserves are now in your own hands.

It was a decision made by me alone.

The strength of our free enterprise system depends upon competition.

Betty and Jerry Ford not only like Al Cederberg, we love him.

I can never repay you, Al, for all the many things that you did for me as minority leader and the things that you have done while I am President.

I am deeply indebted to him-he got me started in all this trouble back on January 3, 1965.

I expect prompt results from this effort.

I expect the number of reports which collect information from the public to be reduced at least 10 percent by next June 30.

Let us also dedicate ourselves to understanding and to responding to the special needs of the disabled veterans.

We simply have to reduce the Federal Government's reporting burden on the public.

This new building is a monument to the sacrifices made by those veterans and to the services you have rendered to them.

We must continue to eliminate the cruel barriers that prevent disabled veterans and too many other disabled Americans from leading the rich life that everyone has the right to enjoy in our very great country.

The purposes of that Act are clear and simple: to allow necessary information to be obtained by the Federal Government with minimum burden on the public.

I anticipate your wholehearted and effective compliance in securing these goals.

Again, despite the fiscal constraints, I have requested funds for more than 9,000 new VA medical personnel in the budget for fiscal years 1976 and 1977.

My policy will be to implement the recommended goals in accord with these basic principles.

I agree that the general goals recommended by the Secretary are desirable ends and are worthy of our careful consideration.

I am confident that an appropriate combination of public and private actions can meet our demands for the foreseeable future.

The Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 was one of the first bills I signed upon entering the Office of the President.

I believe that looking into the future to ascertain when actions must be taken to meet carefully determined goals is essential.