Lyndon Johnson

We cannot commit ourselves, for the prolonged period required by this bill, to delay action necessary to meet the realities of the troubled world in which we live.

The limitations upon the Commander in Chief and the executive branch of the government here sought to be imposed are a clear violation of separation of powers.

The power of the Congress in which I served for nearly two dozen years, is not served by assuming executive functions.

The legislative and executive branches share responsibility for the security of the nation, and each has a vital role to play.

Its enactment would represent a fundamental encroachment on one of the great principles of the American Constitutional system--the separation of powers between the Legislative and Executive branches.

By the Constitution, the executive power is vested in the President.

Now what we have done this summer is more than just a matter of finding summer jobs for youngsters.

What we have done this summer is more than just a matter of finding summer jobs for youngsters.

The Congress enacts the laws.

On behalf of the entire Nation, I want to thank the Vice President and his very special task force on Youth Opportunity.

For these reasons, I am compelled to return this bill without my approval.

Also we have done much to soften the effect on the communities and individuals involved.

In our history, the Congress has occasionally passed bills which have required, in various circumstances, that executive action must be deferred until the proposed action has been reported to specified Congressional committees, and the…

The bill authorizes a military construction program.

Further, the American people are entitled to a dollar's worth of defense for every dollar spent.

I regret that I must return H.R. 8439 without my approval.

And so long as I am your President I intend to preserve the rights of all of our citizens, and I intend to enforce the laws that protect all of our citizens--without regard to race, religion, region, or without fear or favor.

So to you who have given your time and talents to come here, on behalf of this country I thank you.

It is one of the most difficult problems that faces our country and hasn't any easy answers.

And unless this work wins the day, and unless we are successful in what we are trying to do, we may all be consumed, without discrimination, by the fires of hate and bigotry.

We will do all this through the work of men and women like you--men and women who believe both in equal opportunity and equal responsibility and obligation.

This is going to be one of the three or four or five principal subjects with which this administration will be dealing.

For those who have been denied equal access throughout the years to public facilities, I am proud to say that this administration has led the way in ripping down the barriers of discrimination.

Education, health, move them out of the slums and the poverty, provide housing, and beautify the land and make it something that is truly symbolic when we say 'America the Beautiful,' because we want this to be a good world.

But I must remind you, and all the world, this morning, that with these rights comes responsibility.