I ask that on this day the people of the United States join in reaffirming our dependence on God's grace.

I do hereby proclaim Wednesday, October 17, as National Day of Prayer, 1973.

As we act to meet the challenges of the American future, let us do so with the same profound faith in the God of our fathers,

In most respects, the bill submitted to the House by the Ways and Means Committee is a highly responsible piece of legislation.

It would introduce several new authorities which can be used to manage domestic and international economic policies more effectively.

In short, the trade reform act as reported to the House holds out the promise of more and better jobs for American workers, of more products at lower prices for the American consumer, of expanding exports for the United States and other nations, and most importantly, of reduced international tensions and a strengthened structure of peace.

Therefore, once again, I strongly urge the Congress to restore the authority to grant nondiscriminatory tariff treatment to all countries.

I think that they will be honored in the order in which they are received.

I have decided that we should move now in the direction of the more accurate method, making the transition gradually over a three-year period to avoid undue hardship to employees by an abrupt change in the system.

Our goal is to see that every American who wants to work, and who is qualified to work, can get a job.

I have concluded that an average increase of 4.77 percent in the pay rates of the statutory pay systems is the appropriate comparability adjustment.

The confidentiality of Presidential discussions must be maintained.

As far as I am concerned, I will make no decision with regard to supporting or opposing any one of these candidates until they have been tried in the field of battle.

I think he went to Oklahoma.

This order shall take effect October 1, 1973.

In signing this bill, I want to take special note of a branch of the ACTION program that is authorized by separate legislation but certainly has been central to the success of this new agency: the Peace Corps.

I am gratified that with these changes has come a revived interest in Peace Corps service and a growing opportunity for its volunteers of all ages to play a vital role in people-to-people diplomacy.

The bill I am signing today translates those hopes into concrete reality.