Nixon’s Veto Upheld

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32209, 30 January 1970, Page 13

Nixon’s Veto Upheld

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter —Copyright) WASHINGTON, Jan. 29. The 1970 Congressional election campaign moved into high gear today with inflation and national spending priorities as the first major issues after endorsement of President Nixon’s veto on a controversial Social Services Money Bill. Members of the United States House of Representatives, caught between pressures from the White House and from a powerful educational lobby, chose not to override the veto and, in effect, backed the Government’s attempt to repair the ailing American economy. They had to decide whether voters in the November elections would be more concerned with inflation or with reordering national priorities to provide more funds for health, education and welfare.

In fact, a majority—226 to 191—voted to reverse the veto but its opponents could not muster the necessary twothirds majority needed to override the President’s refusal to sign the bill. After the vote was counted,

Mr Nixon reasserted himself as a political, as well as a national leader, by inviting the 191 Congressmen who supported the veto to a party at the White House. His guests included 35 Democrats.

The White House spokesman, Mr Ronald Ziegler, said: “The President was pleased that a substantial number in the House of Representatives were willing to stand up and be counted in a national priority—that priority was to get prices under control.”

President Nixon had vetoed the $19,700m appropriations bill for health, education and welfare spending on the grounds it was inflationary because Congress added more than sl,loom to his budget request The House split primarily along party lines, but enough Democrats, mainly southern conservatives, crossed over to support the President although the Democrats have a 245-188 majority in the Lower Chamber. When their names were called, 35 Democrats and 156 Republicans supported the veto. Only 27 Republicans joined the 199 Democrats in opposing it The Foreign Aid Bill finally completed its passage through Congress yesterday, with the Senate approving the total of sl,Bl2m—one of the lowest totals for the programme.

The bill, which covers overseas aid for the present financial year ending next June 30, now goes to the White House for President Nixon’s signature. The final figure is about sloom more than the recordlow total appropriated last year, but represents a cut of about one-third in Presi-

dent Nixon's request for $2,630m. The bill, which was approved by voice vote, included ssom for additional military aid for South Korea but provided no funds for a squadron of F 4 Phantom jets for Taiwan, sought by some members of the House of Representatives.