Gerald Ford

I am today designating Bradley H. Patterson, Jr., of the White House Office to assist me in the area of American Indian affairs.

Texas is a vitally important State, and we'll be working with the Texas organization, and we'll have an active campaign there.

I think each one should be no less than 90 minutes.

We haven't yet, but we certainly want their advice and counsel, and the possibility exists that some of their people will be with us.

All authority and responsibility vested in the Federal Energy Administration by Executive order or proclamation prior to July 31, 1976 was not revoked by Executive Order No. 11930.

Executive Order No. 11930 of July 30, 1976, which established the Federal Energy Office, is hereby revoked as of the date of its issuance.

We certainly want him on the team, and I have every indication, from my previous discussions and his public demonstration, that he will be actively helping the Republican cause in this campaign.

I'm the only one that makes that decision, Helen, and we are not writing off the South.

The debates are designed specifically to give the American people the right to know that I stand here on a particular issue, and Mr. Carter stands differently.

I think the Department of Justice and the Department of HEW have followed the law, and I have faith in the Attorney General and the Secretary of HEW.

The American people have a right to know where I stand on the issues and where my opponent stands on the issues.

I urge the Congress to act quickly in providing this needed authority.

We cannot afford further delay.

I look forward to the first one and each of the next three, and the sooner we get started, the better.

I feel very strongly that the first debate should come a day or two after Labor Day.

We simply cannot sacrifice our national security to provide for unproductive fringe items and unwarranted levels of compensation.

My total fiscal year 1977 Budget request for national defense is $114.9 billion in budget authority.

Provisions such as Section 612 would add arbitrarily and unnecessarily to the tax burden of the American people.

I urge the Congress to take the necessary actions I have proposed in order to achieve real economies in the national defense program.

I am advising the Congress that failure to take the necessary remedial actions will result in a revised 1977 estimate for National Defense of $116.3 billion.

I must request a supplemental authorization of $759 million for programs which are urgently needed.

I am deeply concerned by the apparent intent to reject a large portion of these proposed savings.

The request is substantial, as it must be to provide what is necessary for our national security.

Congress has not thus far authorized $1.7 billion requested for new ship programs that are needed to strengthen our maritime capabilities.

I am determined that the national security efforts of the United States shall be fully adequate.