Masonry Magazine January 1966 Page. 27
The Washington Wire
(Continued from page 27)
The cost of second-class mail would be increased, too. And nonprofit groups would find that they lose their special rate break.
LABOR LEGISLATION WILL LOOM LARGE ON CONGRESS AGENDA this session.
In fact, the first major bill Congress takes up will likely be a labor item. But repeal of the "right-to-work" clause is still doubtful despite support the White House has promised to give it. Republicans will still filibuster this effort to overrule the laws of some 20 states that ban the union shop.
An expansion of the unemployment compensation system has a good chance of passing. More workers would be covered. And if federal standards are set, payments to laid-off workers would be lifted in a number of states. The expansion will raise costs. The tax involved may go up one third.
An increase in the minimum wage is also a fair bet to $1.50 or $1.60 an hour, from the current $1.25. The unions have been plugging for $1.75, but will have to take a compromise.
A BILL TO EASE THE RULES GOVERNING BANK MERGERS IS LIKELY to pass.
It has had a rocky road. The House Banking chairman has opposed the shift. But his Committee has overruled him. And Johnson will supply mild support. Sentiment in the senate is known to favor passage by a substantial margin. The new bill would clearly give regulatory agencies the power to approve mergers and would restrict the Justice Dept. role under the antitrust laws.
Prospects for the "truth-in-lending" bill-requiring lenders to provide borrowers with statements of the "true"interest cost are very dim. Most Congressmen sympathetic to the complaint that such requirements would prove too cumbersome.
The "truth-in-packaging" bill may pass. It won't add to the deficit. But it will let Democrats score with the voters.
CONGRESS SEEMS SET TO REVAMP ITS FOREIGN AID POLICY at this session.
The amount finally voted will be around the same as this year's $3 billion. But there will be changes in structure and the standards that have obtained. Revisions would include authorizing economic aid for more than one year channeling more aid through international groups separating military help from economic aid and, after the India-Pakistan war, tightening arms aid.
The legislators will probably reiterate their long-standing opposition to allowing a 30% tax credit for investment in under-developed countries. They seem likely to reject the proposal again giving the President one of his few defeats.
JOHNSON WILL ASK CONGRESS TO APPLY THE SAME TARIFF RULES to Russia and Communist East Europe that are now accorded our allies and West Europe.
He feels that "most favored nation" treatment can be a "bridge to the east." His request will generate a lot of controversy. But he will probably win.
SENTIMENT FOR A GI BILL OF RIGHTS FOR VIET NAM VETERANS is growing.
Lawmakers want to do for today's servicemen what was done after past wars - help them to get educations buy homes or finance their own businesses. The White House has been a bit hesitant fearing the impact on the Budget. But it may agree to go along, especially since the cost won't hit till 1967.
NOW-FOR A SUMMARY OF SOME OTHER ITEMS the President will ask for as the session goes along together with assessments as to these proposals prospects in the eight or nine months before the lawmakers quit to campaign:
Agriculture - The Administration achieved most of its goals last year. At this session, the main legislation passed may merely expansion of the present "Food for Peace" program.
Civil rights The White House wants to play down militancy in the interests of harmony during the war. But Congress will put some teeth in the law to bar job discrimination.
Military merger The Pentagon is watering down its plan to merge the Army Reserve and the National Guard. But Congress still is likely to oppose it... and withhold its approval.
College aid Johnson will kill the tuition tax-credit plan.
Firearm curbs Odds favor controls over interstate selling.
Reapportionment Observers now believe that it can get to a vote in the Senate, but that it will finally be killed.
POLITICS WILL FAVOR CONGRESS DEBATES IN 1966, along with Viet Nam.
In fact, Viet Nam will be an issue in the November elections. Republicans support our role in Southeast Asia. But they scent pay-dirt in criticizing Johnson strategy. They'll want fewer troops and casualties more bombing. Mounting losses could breed much dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party. In addition, the "outs" traditionally regain strength in mid-term elections.
In the House, the GOP could pick up as much as 30 seats, as they drive to win back many districts lost in the Johnson landslide of 1964. They still won't come near a majority.
In the Senate, observers see a standoff. Both the Democrats and the Republicans are vulnerable in six states each. If this proves correct, the Democrats would keep their 68-32 margin.