Gerald Ford

I accept with deep regret your request that I not resubmit your name in nomination as a Commissioner of the Federal Power Commission.

Time is short, but time remains for this Congress to finish its work with a real record of accomplishment.

I am announcing actions designed to insure the continued flow of sugar into this country from abroad.

I continue to expect that the requirements of Section 812 will be met.

This additional authority will assure adequate supplies of these commodities.

Nothing has changed that intention on my part.

I have, therefore, decided to extend the current tariff rates and will set an annual global quota of 7 million short tons for 1975.

I am pleased to submit a report to the Congress on our further progress toward offsetting the balance of payments deficit resulting from the deployment of U.S. forces in NATO Europe.

I urge the Congress to support these actions and move quickly to enact the required legislative changes.

I must emphasize that some provisions of the bills now in conference are not acceptable.

I believe a moratorium on partisanship is necessary to achieve much for America.

The actions I am taking will maintain duties on sugar imports at the lowest permissible rate under the Tariff Schedules of the United States.

Good government makes it imperative that all pending nominations be acted upon during this session of the Congress.

I have asked Secretary Butz to ensure that all American farmers are made aware of the excellent market opportunities offered by sugar beets and sugarcane.

No single issue has a higher priority than the economic health of our country.

I urge the Senate to move as quickly as possible to adopt the Trade Reform Act.

I pledge my full cooperation with the Congress in the weeks ahead.

The world sugar supply has tightened markedly in recent months.

There will be no lessening in this Administration of my support for a strong Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines, and the Coast Guard.

Let me reassure you today that this Administration is energetically seeking world peace but remains very aware that the best insurance for peace is the maintenance of a first-class military force ready for action for the defense of America…

You can be sure that this matter is high on the agenda, on the list of priorities for diplomacy as far as I am concerned.

We all live in an interrelated world.

I was proud then, and I am proud now, to have always voted for Alaskan statehood.

I deem it necessary and appropriate to impose the restrictions hereinafter proclaimed on imports of cattle, beef, veal, swine, and pork.

You can be justly proud of the critical role you played.