[Delivered in person before a joint session] Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the 86th Congress, my fellow citizens: 
This is the moment when Congress and the Executive annually begin their cooperative work to build a better America. One basic purpose unites us: To promote strength and security, side by side with liberty and opportunity. As we meet today, in the 170th year of the Republic, our Nation must continue to provide--as all other free governments have had to do throughout time--a satisfactory answer to a question as old as history. It is: Can Government based upon liberty and the God-given rights of man, permanently endure when ceaselessly challenged by a dictatorship, hostile to our mode of life, and controlling an economic and military power of great and growing strength? For us the answer has always been found, and is still found in the devotion, the vision, the courage and the fortitude of our people. Moreover, this challenge we face, not as a single powerful nation, but as one that has in recent decades reached a position of recognized leadership in the Free World. We have arrived at this position of leadership in an era of remarkable productivity and growth. It is also a time when man's power of mass destruction has reached fearful proportions. Possession of such capabilities helps create world suspicion and tension. We, on our part, know that we seek only a just peace for all, with aggressive designs against no one. Yet we realize that there is uneasiness in the world because of a belief on the part of peoples that through arrogance, miscalculation or fear of attack, catastrophic war could be launched. Keeping the peace in today's world more than ever calls for the utmost in the nation's resolution, wisdom, steadiness and unremitting effort. We cannot build peace through desire alone. Moreover, we have learned the bitter lesson that international agreements, historically considered by us as sacred, are regarded in Communist doctrine and in practice to be mere scraps of paper. The most recent proof of their disdain of international obligations, solemnly undertaken, is their announced intention to abandon their responsibilities respecting Berlin. As a consequence, we can have no confidence in any treaty to which Communists are a party except where such a treaty provides within itself for self-enforcing mechanisms. Indeed, the demonstrated disregard of the Communists of their own pledges is one of the greatest obstacles to success in substituting the Rule of Law for rule by force. Yet step by step we must strengthen the institutions of peace--a peace that rests upon justice--a peace that depends upon a deep knowledge and dear understanding by all peoples of the cause and consequences of possible failure in this great purpose. To achieve this peace we seek to prevent war at any place and in any dimension. If, despite our best efforts, a local dispute should flare into armed hostilities, the next problem would be to keep the conflict from spreading, and so compromising freedom. In support of these objectives we maintain forces of great power and flexibility. Our formidable air striking forces are a powerful deterrent to general war. Large and growing portions of these units can depart from their bases in a matter of minutes. 
Similar forces are included in our naval fleets. Ground and other tactical formations can move with swiftness and precision, when requested by friendly and responsible governments, to help curb threatened aggression. The stabilizing influence of this capacity has been dramatically demonstrated more than once over the past year. Our military and related scientific progress has been highly gratifying. Great strides have been made in the development of ballistic missiles. Intermediate range missiles are now being deployed in operational units. The Arias intercontinental ballistic missile program has been marked by rapid development as evidenced by recent successful tests. Missile training units have been established and launching sites are far along in construction. New aircraft that fly at twice the speed of sound are entering our squadrons. We have successfully placed five satellites in orbit, which have gathered information of scientific importance never before available. Our latest satellite illustrates our steady advance in rocketry and foreshadows new developments in world-wide communications. Warning systems constantly improve. Our atomic submarines have shattered endurance records and made historic voyages under the North Polar Sea. A major segment of our national scientific and engineering community is working intensively to achieve new and greater developments. Advance in military technology requires adequate financing but, of course, even more, it requires talent and time. All this is given only as a matter of history; as a record of our progress in space and ballistic missile fields in no more than four years of intensive effort. At the same time we clearly recognize that some of the recent Soviet accomplishments in this particular technology are indeed brilliant. Under the law enacted last year the Department of Defense is being reorganized to give the Secretary of Defense full authority over the military establishment. Greater efficiency, more cohesive effort and speedier reaction to emergencies are among the many advantages we are already noting from these changes. These few highlights point up our steady military gains. We are rightfully gratified by the achievements they represent. But we must remember that these imposing armaments are purchased at great cost. National Security programs account for nearly sixty percent of the entire Federal budget for this coming fiscal year. 
Modern weapons are exceedingly expensive. The overall cost of introducing ATLAS into our armed forces will average $35 million per missile on the firing line. This year we are investing an aggregate of close to $7 billion in missile programs alone. Other billions go for research, development, test and evaluation of new weapons systems. Our latest atomic submarines will cost $50 millions each, while some special types will cost three times as much. We are now ordering fighter aircraft which are priced at fifty times as much as the fighters of World War II. 
We are buying certain bombers that cost their weight in gold. These sums are tremendous, even when compared with the marvelous resiliency and capacity of our economy. Such expenditures demand both balance and perspective in our planning for defense. At every turn, we must weigh, judge and select. Needless duplication of weapons and forces must be avoided. We must guard against feverish building of vast armaments to meet glibly predicted moments of so-called "maximum peril." The threat we face is not sporadic or dated: It is continuous. Hence we must not be swayed in our calculations either by groundless fear or by complacency. We must avoid extremes, for vacillation between extremes is inefficient, costly, and destructive of morale. In these days of unceasing technological advance, we must plan our defense expenditures systematically and with care, fully recognizing that obsolescence compels the never-ending replacement of older weapons with new ones. The defense budget for the coming year has been planned on the basis of these principles and considerations. Over these many months I have personally participated in its development. The aim is a sensible posture of defense. The secondary aim is increased efficiency and avoidance of waste. Both are achieved by this budgetary plan. Working by these guide lines I believe with all my heart that America can be as sure of the strength and efficiency of her armed forces as she is of their loyalty. I am equally sure that the nation will thus avoid useless expenditures which, in the name of security, might tend to undermine the economy and, therefore, the nation's safety. Our own vast strength is only a part of that required for dependable security. Because of this we have joined with nearly 50 other nations in collective security arrangements. In these common undertakings each nation is expected to contribute what it can in sharing the heavy load. Each supplies part of a strategic deployment to protect the forward boundaries of freedom. Constantly we seek new ways to make more effective our contribution to this system of collective security. Recently I have asked a Committee of eminent Americans of both parties to re-appraise our military assistance programs and the relative emphasis which should be placed on military and economic aid. I am hopeful that preliminary recommendations of this Committee will be available in time to assist in shaping the Mutual Security program for the coming fiscal year. Any survey of the free world's defense structure cannot fail to impart a feeling of regret that so much of our effort and resources must be devoted to armaments. At Geneva and elsewhere we continue to seek technical and other agreements that may help to open up, with some promise, the issues of international disarmament. America will never give up the hope that eventually all nations can, with mutual confidence, drastically reduce these non-productive expenditures. II. The material foundation of our national safety is a strong and expanding economy. This we have--and this we must maintain. Only with such an economy can we be secure and simultaneously provide for the well-being of our people. A year ago the nation was experiencing a decline in employment and output. Today that recession is fading into history, and this without gigantic, hastily-improvised public works projects or untimely tax reductions. A healthy and vigorous recovery has been under way since last May. New homes are being built at the highest rate in several years. Retail sales are at peak levels. Personal income is at an all-time high. The marked forward thrust of our economy reaffirms our confidence in competitive enterprise. But--clearly--wisdom and prudence in both the public and private sectors of the economy are always necessary. Our outlook is this: 1960 commitments for our armed forces, the Atomic Energy Commission and Military Assistance exceed 47 billion dollars. In the foreseeable future they are not likely to be significantly lower. With an annual population increase of three million, other governmental costs are bound to mount. After we have provided wisely for our military strength, we must judge how to allocate our remaining government resources most effectively to promote our well-being and economic growth. Federal programs that will benefit all citizens are moving forward. 
Next year we will be spending increased amounts on health programs; on Federal assistance to science and education; on the development of the nation's water resources; on the renewal of urban areas; and on our vast system of Federal-aid highways. Each of these additional outlays is being made necessary by the surging growth of America. Let me illustrate. Responsive to this growth, Federal grants and long term loans to assist 14 major types of capital improvements in our cities will total over 2 billion dollars in 1960--double the expenditure of two years ago. The major responsibility for development in these fields rests in the localities, even though the Federal Government will continue to do its proper part in meeting the genuine needs of a burgeoning population. But the progress of our economy can more than match the growth of our needs. We need only to act wisely and confidently. Here, I hope you will permit me to digress long enough to express something that is much on my mind. The basic question facing us today is more than mere survival--the military defense of national life and territory. It is the preservation of a way of life. We must meet the world challenge and at the same time permit no stagnation in America. Unless we progress, we regress. We can successfully sustain security and remain true to our heritage of freedom if we clearly visualize the tasks ahead and set out to perform them with resolution and fervor. We must first define these tasks and then understand what we must do to perform them. If progress is to be steady we must have long term guides extending far ahead, certainly five, possibly even ten years. They must reflect the knowledge that before the end of five years we will have a population of over 190 million. They must be goals that stand high, and so inspire every citizen to climb always toward mounting levels of moral, intellectual and material strength. Every advance toward them must stir pride in individual and national achievements. To define these goals, I intend to mobilize help from every available source. We need more than politically ordained national objectives to challenge the best efforts of free men and women. A group of selfless and devoted individuals, outside of government, could effectively participate in making the necessary appraisal of the potentials of our future. The result would be establishment of national goals that would not only spur us on to our finest efforts, but would meet the stern test of practicality. The Committee I plan will comprise educators and representatives of labor, management, finance, the professions and every other kind of useful activity. Such a study would update and supplement, in the light of continuous changes in our society and its economy, the monumental work of the Committee on Recent Social Trends which was appointed in 1931 by President Hoover. Its report has stood the test of time and has had a beneficial influence on national development. The new Committee would be concerned, among other things, with the acceleration of our economy's growth and the living standards of our people, their health and education, their better assurance of life and liberty and their greater opportunities. It would also be concerned with methods to meet such goals and what levels of government--Local, State, or Federal--might or should be particularly concerned. As one example, consider our schools, operated under the authority of local communities and states. In their capacity and in their quality they conform to no recognizable standards. In some places facilities are ample, in others meager. Pay of teachers ranges between wide limits, from the adequate to the shameful. As would be expected, quality of teaching varies just as widely. But to our teachers we commit the most valuable possession of the nation and of the family--our children. We must have teachers of competence. To obtain and hold them we need standards. We need a National Goal. Once established I am certain that public opinion would compel steady progress toward its accomplishment. Such studies would be helpful, I believe, to government at all levels and to all individuals. The goals so established could help us see our current needs in perspective. They will spur progress. We do not forget, of course, that our nation's progress and fiscal integrity are interdependent and inseparable. We can afford everything we clearly need, but we cannot afford one cent of waste. We must examine every item of governmental expense critically. To do otherwise would betray our nation's future. Thrift is one of the characteristics that has made this nation great. Why should we ignore it now? We must avoid any contribution to inflationary processes, which could disrupt sound growth in our economy. Prices have displayed a welcome stability in recent months and, if we are wise and resolute, we will not tolerate inflation in the years to come. But history makes clear the risks inherent in any failure to deal firmly with the .basic causes of inflation. Two of the most important of these causes are the wage-price spiral and continued deficit financing. Inflation would reduce job opportunities, price us out of world markets, shrink the value of savings and penalize the thrift so essential to finance a growing economy. Inflation is not a Robin Hood, taking from the rich to give to the poor. Rather, it deals most cruelly with those who can least protect themselves. It strikes hardest those millions of our citizens whose incomes do not quickly rise with the cost of living. When prices soar, the pensioner and the widow see their security undermined, the man of thrift sees his savings melt away; the white collar worker, the minister, and the teacher see their standards of living dragged down. Inflation can be prevented. But this demands statesmanship on the part of business and labor leaders and of government at all levels. We must encourage the self-discipline, the restraint necessary to curb the wage-price spiral and we must meet current costs from current revenue. To minimize the danger of future soaring prices and to keep our economy sound and expanding, I shall present to the Congress certain proposals. First, I shall submit a balanced budget for the next year, a year expected to be the most prosperous in our history. It is a realistic budget with wholly attainable objectives. If we cannot live within our means during such a time of rising prosperity, the hope for fiscal integrity will fade. If we persist in living beyond our means, we make it difficult for every family in our land to balance its own household budget. But to live within our means would be a tangible demonstration of the self-discipline needed to assure a stable dollar. The Constitution entrusts the Executive with many functions, but the Congress--and the Congress alone--has the power of the purse. Ultimately upon Congress rests responsibility for determining the scope and amount of Federal spending. By working together, the Congress and the Executive can keep a balance between income and outgo. If this is done there is real hope that we can look forward to a time in the foreseeable future when needed tax reforms can be accomplished. In this hope, I am requesting the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare appropriate proposals for revising, at the proper time, our tax structure, to remove inequities and to enhance incentives for all Americans to work, to save, and to invest. Such recommendations will be made as soon as our fiscal condition permits. These prospects will be brightened if 1960 expenditures do not exceed the levels recommended. Second, I shall recommend to the Congress that the Chief Executive be given the responsibility either to approve or to veto specific items in appropriations and authorization bills. 1 This would save tax dollars. At this point the message, as recorded from the floor and printed in the Congressional Record, shows the following interpolation: I assure you gentlemen that I know this recommendation has been made time and again by every President that has appeared in this hall for many years, but I say this, it still is one of the most important corrections that could be made in our annual expenditure program, because this would save tax dollars. [Applause] Third, to reduce Federal operations in an area where private enterprise can do the job, I shall recommend legislation for greater flexibility in extending Federal credit, and in improving the procedures under which private credits are insured or guaranteed. Present practices have needlessly added large sums to Federal expenditures. Fourth, action is required to make more effective use of the large Federal expenditures for agriculture and to achieve greater fiscal control in this area. Outlays of the Department of Agriculture for the current fiscal year for the support of farm prices on a very few farm products will exceed five billion dollars. That is a sum equal to approximately two-fifths of the net income of all farm operators in the entire United States. By the end of this fiscal year it is estimated that there will be in Government hands surplus farm products worth about nine billion dollars. And by July 1, 1959, Government expenditures for storage, interest, and handling of its agricultural inventory will reach a rate of one billion dollars a year. This level of expenditure for farm products could be made willingly for a temporary period if it were leading to a sound solution of the problem. But unfortunately this is not true. We need new legislation. In the past I have sent messages to the Congress requesting greater freedom for our farmers to manage their own farms and greater freedom for markets to reflect the wishes of producers and consumers. Legislative changes that followed were appropriate in direction but did not go far enough. The situation calls for prompt and forthright action. Recommendation for action will be contained in a message to be transmitted to the Congress shortly. These fiscal and related actions will help create an environment of price stability for economic growth. However, certain additional measures are needed. I shall ask Congress to amend the Employment Act of 1946 to make it clear that Government intends to use all appropriate means to protect the buying power of the dollar. I am establishing a continuing Cabinet group on Price Stability for Economic Growth to study governmental and private policies affecting costs, prices, and economic growth. It will strive also to build a better public understanding of the conditions necessary for maintaining growth and price stability. Studies are being undertaken to improve our information on prices, wages, and productivity. I believe all citizens in all walks of life will support this program of action to accelerate economic growth and promote price stability. III. I take up next certain aspects of our international situation and our programs to strengthen it. America's security can be assured only within a world community strong, stable, independent nations, in which the concepts of freedom, justice and human dignity can flourish. There can be no such thing as Fortress America. If ever we were reduced to the isolation implied by that term, we would occupy a prison, not a fortress. The question whether we can afford to help other nations that want to defend their freedom but cannot fully do so from their own means, has only one answer: we can and we must, we have been doing so since 1947. Our foreign policy has long been dedicated to building a permanent and just peace. During the past six years our free world security arrangements have been bolstered and the bonds of freedom have been more closely knit. Our friends in Western Europe are experiencing new internal vitality, and are increasingly more able to resist external threats. Over the years the world has come to understand clearly that it is our firm policy not to countenance aggression. In Lebanon, Taiwan, and Berlin--our stand has been dear, right, and expressive of the determined will of a united people. Acting with other free nations we have undertaken the solemn obligation to defend the people of free Berlin against any effort to destroy their freedom. In the meantime we shall constantly seek meaningful agreements to settle this and other problems, knowing full well that not only the integrity of a single city, but the hope of all free peoples is at stake. We need, likewise, to continue helping to build the economic base so essential to the Free World's stability and strength. The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank have both fully proven their worth as instruments of international financial cooperation. Their Executive Directors have recommended an increase in each member country's subscription. I am requesting the Congress for immediate approval of our share of these increases. We are now negotiating with representatives of the twenty Latin American Republics for the creation of an inter-American financial institution. Its purpose would be to join all the American Republics in a common institution which would promote and finance development in Latin America, and make more effective the use of capital from the World Bank, the Export-Import Bank, and private sources. Private enterprise continues to make major contributions to economic development in all parts of the world. But we have not yet marshalled the full potential of American business for this task, particularly in countries which have recently attained their independence. I shall present to this Congress a program designed to encourage greater participation by private enterprise in economic development abroad. Further, all of us know that to advance the cause of freedom we must do much more than help build sound economies. The spiritual, intellectual, and physical strength of people throughout the world will in the last analysis determine their willingness and their ability to resist Communism. To give a single illustration of our many efforts in these fields: We have been a participant in the effort that has been made over the past few years against one of the great scourges of mankind--disease. Through the Mutual Security program public health officials are being trained by American universities to serve in less developed countries. We are engaged in intensive malaria eradication projects in many parts of the world. America's major successes in our own country prove the feasibility of success everywhere. By these and other means we shall continue and expand our campaign against the afflictions that now bring needless suffering and death to so many of the world's people. We wish to be part of a great shared effort toward the triumph of health. IV. America is best described by one word, freedom. If we hope to strengthen freedom in the world we must be ever mindful of how our own conduct reacts elsewhere. No nation has ever been so floodlighted by world opinion as the United States is today. Everything we do is carefully scrutinized by other peoples throughout the world. The bad is seen along with the good. Because we are human we err. But as free men we are also responsible for correcting the errors and imperfections of our ways. Last January I made comprehensive recommendations to the Congress for legislation in the labor-management field. To my disappointment, Congress failed to act. The McClellan Committee disclosures of corruption, racketeering, and abuse of trust and power in labor-management affairs have aroused America and amazed other peoples. They emphasize the need for improved local law enforcement and the enactment of effective Federal legislation to protect the public interest and to insure the rights and economic freedoms of millions of American workers. Halfhearted measures will not do. I shall recommend prompt enactment of legislation designed: To safeguard workers' funds in union treasuries against misuse of any kind whatsoever. To protect the rights and freedoms of individual union members, including the basic right to free and secret elections of officers. To advance true and responsible collective bargaining. To protect the public and innocent third parties from unfair and coercive practices such as boycotting and blackmail picketing. The workers and the public must have these vital protections. In other areas of human rights--freedom from discrimination in voting, in public education, in access to jobs, and in other respects--the world is likewise watching our conduct. The image of America abroad is not improved when school children, through closing of some of our schools and through no fault of their own, are deprived of their opportunity for an education. The government of a free people has no purpose more noble than to work for the maximum realization of equality of opportunity under law. This is not the sole responsibility of any one branch of our government. The judicial arm, which has the ultimate authority for interpreting the Constitution, has held that certain state laws and practices discriminate upon racial grounds and are unconstitutional. Whenever the supremacy of the Constitution of the United States is challenged I shall continue to take every action necessary to uphold it. One of the fundamental concepts of our constitutional system is that it guarantees to every individual, regardless of race, religion, or national origin, the equal protection of the laws. Those of us who are privileged to hold public office have a solemn obligation to make meaningful this inspiring objective. We can fulfill that obligation by our leadership in teaching, persuading, demonstrating, and in enforcing the law. We are making noticeable progress in the field of civil rights--we are moving forward toward achievement of equality of opportunity for all people everywhere in the United States. In the interest of the nation and of each of its citizens, that progress must continue. Legislative proposals of the Administration in this field will be submitted to the Congress early in the session. All of us should help to make clear that the government is united in the common purpose of giving support to the law and the decisions of the Courts. By moving steadily toward the goal of greater freedom under law, for our own people, we shall be the better prepared to work for the cause of freedom under law throughout the world. All peoples are solely tired of the fear, destruction, and the waste of war. As never before, the world knows the human and material costs of war and seeks to replace force with a genuine role of law among nations. It is my purpose to intensify efforts during the coming two years in seeking ways to supplement the procedures of the United Nations and other bodies with similar objectives, to the end that the rule of law may replace the rule of force in the affairs of nations. Measures toward this end will be proposed later, including a re-examination of our own relation to the International Court of Justice. Finally--let us remind ourselves that Marxist scripture is not new; it is not the gospel of the future. Its basic objective is dictatorship, old as history. What is new is the shining prospect that man can build a world where all can live in dignity. We seek victory--not over any nation or people--but over the ancient enemies of us all; victory over ignorance, poverty, disease, and human degradation wherever they may be found. 
We march in the noblest of causes--human freedom. If we make ourselves worthy of America's ideals, if we do not forget that our nation was founded on the premise that all men are creatures of God's making, the world will come to know that it is free men who carry forward the true promise of human progress and dignity. DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER
[Delivered in person before a joint session] Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the 86th Congress, my fellow citizens: This is the moment when Congress and the Executive annually begin their cooperative work to build a better America. One basic purpose unites us: To promote strength and security, side by side with liberty and opportunity. As we meet today, in the 170th year of the Republic, our Nation must continue to provide--as all other free governments have had to do throughout time--a satisfactory answer to a question as old as history. It is: Can Government based upon liberty and the God-given rights of man, permanently endure when ceaselessly challenged by a dictatorship, hostile to our mode of life, and controlling an economic and military power of great and growing strength? For us the answer has always been found, and is still found in the devotion, the vision, the courage and the fortitude of our people. Moreover, this challenge we face, not as a single powerful nation, but as one that has in recent decades reached a position of recognized leadership in the Free World. We have arrived at this position of leadership in an era of remarkable productivity and growth. It is also a time when man's power of mass destruction has reached fearful proportions. Possession of such capabilities helps create world suspicion and tension. We, on our part, know that we seek only a just peace for all, with aggressive designs against no one. Yet we realize that there is uneasiness in the world because of a belief on the part of peoples that through arrogance, miscalculation or fear of attack, catastrophic war could be launched. Keeping the peace in today's world more than ever calls for the utmost in the nation's resolution, wisdom, steadiness and unremitting effort. We cannot build peace through desire alone. Moreover, we have learned the bitter lesson that international agreements, historically considered by us as sacred, are regarded in Communist doctrine and in practice to be mere scraps of paper. The most recent proof of their disdain of international obligations, solemnly undertaken, is their announced intention to abandon their responsibilities respecting Berlin. As a consequence, we can have no confidence in any treaty to which Communists are a party except where such a treaty provides within itself for self-enforcing mechanisms. Indeed, the demonstrated disregard of the Communists of their own pledges is one of the greatest obstacles to success in substituting the Rule of Law for rule by force. Yet step by step we must strengthen the institutions of peace--a peace that rests upon justice--a peace that depends upon a deep knowledge and dear understanding by all peoples of the because and consequences of possible failure in this great purpose. To achieve this peace we seek to prevent war at any place and in any dimension. If, despite our best efforts, a local dispute should flare into armed hostilities, the next problem would be to keep the conflict from spreading, and so compromising freedom. In support of these objectives we maintain forces of great power and flexibility. Our formidable air striking forces are a powerful deterrent to general war. Large and growing portions of these units can depart from their bases in a matter of minutes. Similar forces are included in our naval fleets. Ground and other tactical formations can move with swiftness and precision, when requested by friendly and responsible governments, to help curb threatened aggression. The stabilizing influence of this capacity has been dramatically demonstrated more than once over the past year. Our military and related scientific progress has been highly gratifying. Great strides have been made in the development of ballistic missiles. Intermediate range missiles are now being deployed in operational units. The Arias intercontinental ballistic missile program has been marked by rapid development as evidenced by recent successful tests. Missile training units have been established and launching sites are far along in construction. New aircraft that fly at twice the speed of sound are entering our squadrons. We have successfully placed five satellites in orbit, which have gathered information of scientific importance never before available. Our latest satellite illustrates our steady advance in rocketry and foreshadows new developments in world-wide communications. Warning systems constantly improve. Our atomic submarines have shattered endurance records and made historic voyages under the North Polar Sea. A major segment of our national scientific and engineering community is working intensively to achieve new and greater developments. Advance in military technology requires adequate financing but, of course, even more, it requires talent and time. All this is given only as a matter of history; as a record of our progress in space and ballistic missile fields in no more than four years of intensive effort. At the same time we clearly recognize that some of the recent Soviet accomplishments in this particular technology are indeed brilliant. Under the law enacted last year the Department of Defense is being reorganized to give the Secretary of Defense full authority over the military establishment. Greater efficiency, more cohesive effort and speedier reaction to emergencies are among the many advantages we are already noting from these changes. These few highlights point up our steady military gains. We are rightfully gratified by the achievements they represent. But we must remember that these imposing armaments are purchased at great cost. National Security programs account for nearly sixty percent of the entire Federal budget for this coming fiscal year. Modern weapons are exceedingly expensive. The overall cost of introducing ATLAS into our armed forces will average $35 million per missile on the firing line. This year we are investing an aggregate of close to $7 billion in missile programs alone. Other billions go for research, development, test and evaluation of new weapons systems. Our latest atomic submarines will cost $50 millions each, while some special types will cost three times as much. We are now ordering fighter aircraft which are priced at fifty times as much as the fighters of World War II. We are buying certain bombers that cost their weight in gold. These sums are tremendous, even when compared with the marvelous resiliency and capacity of our economy. Such expenditures demand both balance and perspective in our planning for defense. At every turn, we must weigh, judge and select. Needless duplication of weapons and forces must be avoided. We must guard against feverish building of vast armaments to meet glibly predicted moments of so-called "maximum peril." The threat we face is not sporadic or dated: It is continuous. Hence we must not be swayed in our calculations either by groundless fear or by complacency. We must avoid extremes, for vacillation between extremes is inefficient, costly, and destructive of morale. In these days of unceasing technological advance, we must plan our defense expenditures systematically and with care, fully recognizing that obsolescence compels the never-ending replacement of older weapons with new ones. The defense budget for the coming year has been planned on the basis of these principles and considerations. Over these many months I have personally participated in its development. The aim is a sensible posture of defense. The secondary aim is increased efficiency and avoidance of waste. Both are achieved by this budgetary plan. Working by these guide lines I believe with all my heart that America can be as sure of the strength and efficiency of her armed forces as she is of their loyalty. I am equally sure that the nation will thus avoid useless expenditures which, in the name of security, might tend to undermine the economy and, therefore, the nation's safety. Our own vast strength is only a part of that required for dependable security. Because of this we have joined with nearly 50 other nations in collective security arrangements. In these common undertakings each nation is expected to contribute what it can in sharing the heavy load. Each supplies part of a strategic deployment to protect the forward boundaries of freedom. Constantly we seek new ways to make more effective our contribution to this system of collective security. Recently I have asked a Committee of eminent Americans of both parties to re-appraise our military assistance programs and the relative emphasis which should be placed on military and economic aid. I am hopeful that preliminary recommendations of this Committee will be available in time to assist in shaping the Mutual Security program for the coming fiscal year. Any survey of the free world's defense structure cannot fail to impart a feeling of regret that so much of our effort and resources must be devoted to armaments. At Geneva and elsewhere we continue to seek technical and other agreements that may help to open up, with some promise, the issues of international disarmament. America will never give up the hope that eventually all nations can, with mutual confidence, drastically reduce these non-productive expenditures. II. The material foundation of our national safety is a strong and expanding economy. This we have--and this we must maintain. Only with such an economy can we be secure and simultaneously provide for the well-being of our people. A year ago the nation was experiencing a decline in employment and output. Today that recession is fading into history, and this without gigantic, hastily-improvised public works projects or untimely tax reductions. A healthy and vigorous recovery has been under way since last May. New homes are being built at the highest rate in several years. Retail sales are at peak levels. Personal income is at an all-time high. The marked forward thrust of our economy reaffirms our confidence in competitive enterprise. But--clearly--wisdom and prudence in both the public and private sectors of the economy are always necessary. Our outlook is this: 1960 commitments for our armed forces, the Atomic Energy Commission and Military Assistance exceed 47 billion dollars. In the foreseeable future they are not likely to be significantly lower. With an annual population increase of three million, other governmental costs are bound to mount. After we have provided wisely for our military strength, we must judge how to allocate our remaining government resources most effectively to promote our well-being and economic growth. Federal programs that will benefit all citizens are moving forward. Next year we will be spending increased amounts on health programs; on Federal assistance to science and education; on the development of the nation's water resources; on the renewal of urban areas; and on our vast system of Federal-aid highways. Each of these additional outlays is being made necessary by the surging growth of America. Let me illustrate. Responsive to this growth, Federal grants and long term loans to assist 14 major types of capital improvements in our cities will total over 2 billion dollars in 1960--double the expenditure of two years ago. The major responsibility for development in these fields rests in the localities, even though the Federal Government will continue to do its proper part in meeting the genuine needs of a burgeoning population. But the progress of our economy can more than match the growth of our needs. We need only to act wisely and confidently. Here, I hope you will permit me to digress long enough to express something that is much on my mind. The basic question facing us today is more than mere survival--the military defense of national life and territory. It is the preservation of a way of life. We must meet the world challenge and at the same time permit no stagnation in America. Unless we progress, we regress. We can successfully sustain security and remain true to our heritage of freedom if we clearly visualize the tasks ahead and set out to perform them with resolution and fervor. We must first define these tasks and then understand what we must do to perform them. If progress is to be steady we must have long term guides extending far ahead, certainly five, possibly even ten years. They must reflect the knowledge that before the end of five years we will have a population of over 190 million. They must be goals that stand high, and so inspire every citizen to climb always toward mounting levels of moral, intellectual and material strength. Every advance toward them must stir pride in individual and national achievements. To define these goals, I intend to mobilize help from every available source. We need more than politically ordained national objectives to challenge the best efforts of free men and women. A group of selfless and devoted individuals, outside of government, could effectively participate in making the necessary appraisal of the potentials of our future. The result would be establishment of national goals that would not only spur us on to our finest efforts, but would meet the stern test of practicality. The Committee I plan will comprise educators and representatives of labor, management, finance, the professions and every other kind of useful activity. Such a study would update and supplement, in the light of continuous changes in our society and its economy, the monumental work of the Committee on Recent Social Trends which was appointed in 1931 by President Hoover. Its report has stood the test of time and has had a beneficial influence on national development. The new Committee would be concerned, among other things, with the acceleration of our economy's growth and the living standards of our people, their health and education, their better assurance of life and liberty and their greater opportunities. It would also be concerned with methods to meet such goals and what levels of government--Local, State, or Federal--might or should be particularly concerned. As one example, consider our schools, operated under the authority of local communities and states. In their capacity and in their quality they conform to no recognizable standards. In some places facilities are ample, in others meager. Pay of teachers ranges between wide limits, from the adequate to the shameful. As would be expected, quality of teaching varies just as widely. But to our teachers we commit the most valuable possession of the nation and of the family--our children. We must have teachers of competence. To obtain and hold them we need standards. We need a National Goal. Once established I am certain that public opinion would compel steady progress toward its accomplishment. Such studies would be helpful, I believe, to government at all levels and to all individuals. The goals so established could help us see our current needs in perspective. They will spur progress. We do not forget, of course, that our nation's progress and fiscal integrity are interdependent and inseparable. We can afford everything we clearly need, but we cannot afford one cent of waste. We must examine every item of governmental expense critically. To do otherwise would betray our nation's future. Thrift is one of the characteristics that has made this nation great. Why should we ignore it now? We must avoid any contribution to inflationary processes, which could disrupt sound growth in our economy. Prices have displayed a welcome stability in recent months and, if we are wise and resolute, we will not tolerate inflation in the years to come. But history makes clear the risks inherent in any failure to deal firmly with the .basic causes of inflation. Two of the most important of these causes are the wage-price spiral and continued deficit financing. Inflation would reduce job opportunities, price us out of world markets, shrink the value of savings and penalize the thrift so essential to finance a growing economy. Inflation is not a Robin Hood, taking from the rich to give to the poor. Rather, it deals most cruelly with those who can least protect themselves. It strikes hardest those millions of our citizens whose incomes do not quickly rise with the cost of living. When prices soar, the pensioner and the widow see their security undermined, the man of thrift sees his savings melt away; the white collar worker, the minister, and the teacher see their standards of living dragged down. Inflation can be prevented. But this demands statesmanship on the part of business and labor leaders and of government at all levels. We must encourage the self-discipline, the restraint necessary to curb the wage-price spiral and we must meet current costs from current revenue. To minimize the danger of future soaring prices and to keep our economy sound and expanding, I shall present to the Congress certain proposals. First, I shall submit a balanced budget for the next year, a year expected to be the most prosperous in our history. It is a realistic budget with wholly attainable objectives. If we cannot live within our means during such a time of rising prosperity, the hope for fiscal integrity will fade. If we persist in living beyond our means, we make it difficult for every family in our land to balance its own household budget. But to live within our means would be a tangible demonstration of the self-discipline needed to assure a stable dollar. The Constitution entrusts the Executive with many functions, but the Congress--and the Congress alone--has the power of the purse. Ultimately upon Congress rests responsibility for determining the scope and amount of Federal spending. By working together, the Congress and the Executive can keep a balance between income and outgo. If this is done there is real hope that we can look forward to a time in the foreseeable future when needed tax reforms can be accomplished. In this hope, I am requesting the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare appropriate proposals for revising, at the proper time, our tax structure, to remove inequities and to enhance incentives for all Americans to work, to save, and to invest. Such recommendations will be made as soon as our fiscal condition permits. These prospects will be brightened if 1960 expenditures do not exceed the levels recommended. Second, I shall recommend to the Congress that the Chief Executive be given the responsibility either to approve or to veto specific items in appropriations and authorization bills. 1 This would save tax dollars. At this point the message, as recorded from the floor and printed in the Congressional Record, shows the following interpolation: I assure you gentlemen that I know this recommendation has been made time and again by every President that has appeared in this hall for many years, but I say this, it still is one of the most important corrections that could be made in our annual expenditure program, because this would save tax dollars. [Applause] Third, to reduce Federal operations in an area where private enterprise can do the job, I shall recommend legislation for greater flexibility in extending Federal credit, and in improving the procedures under which private credits are insured or guaranteed. Present practices have needlessly added large sums to Federal expenditures. Fourth, action is required to make more effective use of the large Federal expenditures for agriculture and to achieve greater fiscal control in this area. Outlays of the Department of Agriculture for the current fiscal year for the support of farm prices on a very few farm products will exceed five billion dollars. That is a sum equal to approximately two-fifths of the net income of all farm operators in the entire United States. By the end of this fiscal year it is estimated that there will be in Government hands surplus farm products worth about nine billion dollars. And by July 1, 1959, Government expenditures for storage, interest, and handling of its agricultural inventory will reach a rate of one billion dollars a year. This level of expenditure for farm products could be made willingly for a temporary period if it were leading to a sound solution of the problem. But unfortunately this is not true. We need new legislation. In the past I have sent messages to the Congress requesting greater freedom for our farmers to manage their own farms and greater freedom for markets to reflect the wishes of producers and consumers. Legislative changes that followed were appropriate in direction but did not go far enough. The situation calls for prompt and forthright action. Recommendation for action will be contained in a message to be transmitted to the Congress shortly. These fiscal and related actions will help create an environment of price stability for economic growth. However, certain additional measures are needed. I shall ask Congress to amend the Employment Act of 1946 to make it clear that Government intends to use all appropriate means to protect the buying power of the dollar. I am establishing a continuing Cabinet group on Price Stability for Economic Growth to study governmental and private policies affecting costs, prices, and economic growth. It will strive also to build a better public understanding of the conditions necessary for maintaining growth and price stability. Studies are being undertaken to improve our information on prices, wages, and productivity. I believe all citizens in all walks of life will support this program of action to accelerate economic growth and promote price stability. III. I take up next certain aspects of our international situation and our programs to strengthen it. America's security can be assured only within a world community strong, stable, independent nations, in which the concepts of freedom, justice and human dignity can flourish. There can be no such thing as Fortress America. If ever we were reduced to the isolation implied by that term, we would occupy a prison, not a fortress. The question whether we can afford to help other nations that want to defend their freedom but cannot fully do so from their own means, has only one answer: we can and we must, we have been doing so since 1947. Our foreign policy has long been dedicated to building a permanent and just peace. During the past six years our free world security arrangements have been bolstered and the bonds of freedom have been more closely knit. Our friends in Western Europe are experiencing new internal vitality, and are increasingly more able to resist external threats. Over the years the world has come to understand clearly that it is our firm policy not to countenance aggression. In Lebanon, Taiwan, and Berlin--our stand has been dear, right, and expressive of the determined will of a united people. Acting with other free nations we have undertaken the solemn obligation to defend the people of free Berlin against any effort to destroy their freedom. In the meantime we shall constantly seek meaningful agreements to settle this and other problems, knowing full well that not only the integrity of a single city, but the hope of all free peoples is at stake. We need, likewise, to continue helping to build the economic base so essential to the Free World's stability and strength. The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank have both fully proven their worth as instruments of international financial cooperation. Their Executive Directors have recommended an increase in each member country's subscription. I am requesting the Congress for immediate approval of our share of these increases. We are now negotiating with representatives of the twenty Latin American Republics for the creation of an inter-American financial institution. Its purpose would be to join all the American Republics in a common institution which would promote and finance development in Latin America, and make more effective the use of capital from the World Bank, the Export-Import Bank, and private sources. Private enterprise continues to make major contributions to economic development in all parts of the world. But we have not yet marshalled the full potential of American business for this task, particularly in countries which have recently attained their independence. I shall present to this Congress a program designed to encourage greater participation by private enterprise in economic development abroad. Further, all of us know that to advance the because of freedom we must do much more than help build sound economies. The spiritual, intellectual, and physical strength of people throughout the world will in the last analysis determine their willingness and their ability to resist Communism. To give a single illustration of our many efforts in these fields: We have been a participant in the effort that has been made over the past few years against one of the great scourges of mankind--disease. Through the Mutual Security program public health officials are being trained by American universities to serve in less developed countries. We are engaged in intensive malaria eradication projects in many parts of the world. America's major successes in our own country prove the feasibility of success everywhere. By these and other means we shall continue and expand our campaign against the afflictions that now bring needless suffering and death to so many of the world's people. We wish to be part of a great shared effort toward the triumph of health. IV. America is best described by one word, freedom. If we hope to strengthen freedom in the world we must be ever mindful of how our own conduct reacts elsewhere. No nation has ever been so floodlighted by world opinion as the United States is today. Everything we do is carefully scrutinized by other peoples throughout the world. The bad is seen along with the good. Because we are human we err. But as free men we are also responsible for correcting the errors and imperfections of our ways. Last January I made comprehensive recommendations to the Congress for legislation in the labor-management field. To my disappointment, Congress failed to act. The McClellan Committee disclosures of corruption, racketeering, and abuse of trust and power in labor-management affairs have aroused America and amazed other peoples. They emphasize the need for improved local law enforcement and the enactment of effective Federal legislation to protect the public interest and to insure the rights and economic freedoms of millions of American workers. Halfhearted measures will not do. I shall recommend prompt enactment of legislation designed: To safeguard workers' funds in union treasuries against misuse of any kind whatsoever. To protect the rights and freedoms of individual union members, including the basic right to free and secret elections of officers. To advance true and responsible collective bargaining. To protect the public and innocent third parties from unfair and coercive practices such as boycotting and blackmail picketing. The workers and the public must have these vital protections. In other areas of human rights--freedom from discrimination in voting, in public education, in access to jobs, and in other respects--the world is likewise watching our conduct. The image of America abroad is not improved when school children, through closing of some of our schools and through no fault of their own, are deprived of their opportunity for an education. The government of a free people has no purpose more noble than to work for the maximum realization of equality of opportunity under law. This is not the sole responsibility of any one branch of our government. The judicial arm, which has the ultimate authority for interpreting the Constitution, has held that certain state laws and practices discriminate upon racial grounds and are unconstitutional. Whenever the supremacy of the Constitution of the United States is challenged I shall continue to take every action necessary to uphold it. One of the fundamental concepts of our constitutional system is that it guarantees to every individual, regardless of race, religion, or national origin, the equal protection of the laws. Those of us who are privileged to hold public office have a solemn obligation to make meaningful this inspiring objective. We can fulfill that obligation by our leadership in teaching, persuading, demonstrating, and in enforcing the law. We are making noticeable progress in the field of civil rights--we are moving forward toward achievement of equality of opportunity for all people everywhere in the United States. In the interest of the nation and of each of its citizens, that progress must continue. Legislative proposals of the Administration in this field will be submitted to the Congress early in the session. All of us should help to make clear that the government is united in the common purpose of giving support to the law and the decisions of the Courts. By moving steadily toward the goal of greater freedom under law, for our own people, we shall be the better prepared to work for the because of freedom under law throughout the world. All peoples are solely tired of the fear, destruction, and the waste of war. As never before, the world knows the human and material costs of war and seeks to replace force with a genuine role of law among nations. It is my purpose to intensify efforts during the coming two years in seeking ways to supplement the procedures of the United Nations and other bodies with similar objectives, to the end that the rule of law may replace the rule of force in the affairs of nations. Measures toward this end will be proposed later, including a re-examination of our own relation to the International Court of Justice. Finally--let us remind ourselves that Marxist scripture is not new; it is not the gospel of the future. Its basic objective is dictatorship, old as history. What is new is the shining prospect that man can build a world where all can live in dignity. We seek victory--not over any nation or people--but over the ancient enemies of us all; victory over ignorance, poverty, disease, and human degradation wherever they may be found. We march in the noblest of causes--human freedom. If we make ourselves worthy of America's ideals, if we do not forget that our nation was founded on the premise that all men are creatures of God's making, the world will come to know that it is free men who carry forward the true promise of human progress and dignity. DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER
delivered in person before a joint session president speaker members of the 86th congress my fellow citizens this is the moment when congress and the executive annually begin their cooperative work to build a better america one basic purpose unites us to promote strength and security side by side with liberty and opportunity as we meet today in the 170th year of the republic our nation must continue to provide as all other free governments have had to do throughout time a satisfactory answer to a question as old as history it is can government based upon liberty and the rights of man permanently endure when ceaselessly challenged by a dictatorship hostile to our mode of life and controlling an economic and military power of great and growing strength for us the answer has always been found and is still found in the devotion the vision the courage and the fortitude of our people moreover this challenge we face not as a single powerful nation but as one that has in recent decades reached a position of recognized leadership in the free world we have arrived at this position of leadership in an era of remarkable productivity and growth it is also a time when man power of mass destruction has reached fearful proportions possession of such capabilities helps create world suspicion and tension we on our part know that we seek only a just peace for all with aggressive designs against no one yet we realize that there is uneasiness in the world because of a belief on the part of peoples that through arrogance miscalculation or fear of attack catastrophic war could be launched keeping the peace in today world more than ever calls for the utmost in the nation resolution wisdom steadiness and unremitting effort we can not build peace through desire alone moreover we have learned the bitter lesson that international agreements historically considered by us as sacred are regarded in communist doctrine and in practice to be mere scraps of paper the most recent proof of their disdain of international obligations solemnly undertaken is their announced intention to abandon their responsibilities respecting berlin as a consequence we can have no confidence in any treaty to which communists are a party except where such a treaty provides within itself for mechanisms indeed the demonstrated disregard of the communists of their own pledges is one of the greatest obstacles to success in substituting the rule of law for rule by force yet step by step we must strengthen the institutions of peace a peace that rests upon justice a peace that depends upon a deep knowledge and dear understanding by all peoples of the because and consequences of possible failure in this great purpose to achieve this peace we seek to prevent war at any place and in any dimension if despite our best efforts a local dispute should flare into armed hostilities the next problem would be to keep the conflict from spreading and so compromising freedom in support of these objectives we maintain forces of great power and flexibility our formidable air striking forces are a powerful deterrent to general war large and growing portions of these units can depart from their bases in a matter of minutes similar forces are included in our naval fleets ground and other tactical formations can move with swiftness and precision when requested by friendly and responsible governments to help curb threatened aggression the stabilizing influence of this capacity has been dramatically demonstrated more than once over the past year our military and related scientific progress has been highly gratifying great strides have been made in the development of ballistic missiles intermediate range missiles are now being deployed in operational units the arias intercontinental ballistic missile program has been marked by rapid development as evidenced by recent successful tests missile training units have been established and launching sites are far along in construction new aircraft that fly at twice the speed of sound are entering our squadrons we have successfully placed five satellites in orbit which have gathered information of scientific importance never before available our latest satellite illustrates our steady advance in rocketry and foreshadows new developments in communications warning systems constantly improve our atomic submarines have shattered endurance records and made historic voyages under the north polar sea a major segment of our national scientific and engineering community is working intensively to achieve new and greater developments advance in military technology requires adequate financing but of course even more it requires talent and time all this is given only as a matter of history as a record of our progress in space and ballistic missile fields in no more than four years of intensive effort at the same time we clearly recognize that some of the recent soviet accomplishments in this particular technology are indeed brilliant under the law enacted last year the department of defense is being reorganized to give the secretary of defense full authority over the military establishment greater efficiency more cohesive effort and speedier reaction to emergencies are among the many advantages we are already noting from these changes these few highlights point up our steady military gains we are rightfully gratified by the achievements they represent but we must remember that these imposing armaments are purchased at great cost national security programs account for nearly sixty percent of the entire federal budget for this coming fiscal year modern weapons are exceedingly expensive the overall cost of introducing atlas into our armed forces will average 35 million per missile on the firing line this year we are investing an aggregate of close to 7 billion in missile programs alone other billions go for research development test and evaluation of new weapons systems our latest atomic submarines will cost 50 millions each while some special types will cost three times as much we are now ordering fighter aircraft which are priced at fifty times as much as the fighters of world war ii we are buying certain bombers that cost their weight in gold these sums are tremendous even when compared with the marvelous resiliency and capacity of our economy such expenditures demand both balance and perspective in our planning for defense at every turn we must weigh judge and select needless duplication of weapons and forces must be avoided we must guard against feverish building of vast armaments to meet glibly predicted moments of maximum peril the threat we face is not sporadic or dated it is continuous hence we must not be swayed in our calculations either by groundless fear or by complacency we must avoid extremes for vacillation between extremes is inefficient costly and destructive of morale in these days of unceasing technological advance we must plan our defense expenditures systematically and with care fully recognizing that obsolescence compels the replacement of older weapons with new ones the defense budget for the coming year has been planned on the basis of these principles and considerations over these many months i have personally participated in its development the aim is a sensible posture of defense the secondary aim is increased efficiency and avoidance of waste both are achieved by this budgetary plan working by these guide lines i believe with all my heart that america can be as sure of the strength and efficiency of her armed forces as she is of their loyalty i am equally sure that the nation will thus avoid useless expenditures which in the name of security might tend to undermine the economy and therefore the nation safety our own vast strength is only a part of that required for dependable security because of this we have joined with nearly 50 other nations in collective security arrangements in these common undertakings each nation is expected to contribute what it can in sharing the heavy load each supplies part of a strategic deployment to protect the forward boundaries of freedom constantly we seek new ways to make more effective our contribution to this system of collective security recently i have asked a committee of eminent americans of both parties to our military assistance programs and the relative emphasis which should be placed on military and economic aid i am hopeful that preliminary recommendations of this committee will be available in time to assist in shaping the mutual security program for the coming fiscal year any survey of the free world defense structure can not fail to impart a feeling of regret that so much of our effort and resources must be devoted to armaments at geneva and elsewhere we continue to seek technical and other agreements that may help to open up with some promise the issues of international disarmament america will never give up the hope that eventually all nations can with mutual confidence drastically reduce these expenditures ii the material foundation of our national safety is a strong and expanding economy this we have and this we must maintain only with such an economy can we be secure and simultaneously provide for the of our people a year ago the nation was experiencing a decline in employment and output today that recession is fading into history and this without gigantic public works projects or untimely tax reductions a healthy and vigorous recovery has been under way since last may new homes are being built at the highest rate in several years retail sales are at peak levels personal income is at an high the marked forward thrust of our economy reaffirms our confidence in competitive enterprise but clearly wisdom and prudence in both the public and private sectors of the economy are always necessary our outlook is this 1960 commitments for our armed forces the atomic energy commission and military assistance exceed 47 billion dollars in the foreseeable future they are not likely to be significantly lower with an annual population increase of three million other governmental costs are bound to mount after we have provided wisely for our military strength we must judge how to allocate our remaining government resources most effectively to promote our and economic growth federal programs that will benefit all citizens are moving forward next year we will be spending increased amounts on health programs on federal assistance to science and education on the development of the nation water resources on the renewal of urban areas and on our vast system of highways each of these additional outlays is being made necessary by the surging growth of america let me illustrate responsive to this growth federal grants and long term loans to assist 14 major types of capital improvements in our cities will total over 2 billion dollars in 1960 double the expenditure of two years ago the major responsibility for development in these fields rests in the localities even though the federal government will continue to do its proper part in meeting the genuine needs of a burgeoning population but the progress of our economy can more than match the growth of our needs we need only to act wisely and confidently here i hope you will permit me to digress long enough to express something that is much on my mind the basic question facing us today is more than mere survival the military defense of national life and territory it is the preservation of a way of life we must meet the world challenge and at the same time permit no stagnation in america unless we progress we regress we can successfully sustain security and remain true to our heritage of freedom if we clearly visualize the tasks ahead and set out to perform them with resolution and fervor we must first define these tasks and then understand what we must do to perform them if progress is to be steady we must have long term guides extending far ahead certainly five possibly even ten years they must reflect the knowledge that before the end of five years we will have a population of over 190 million they must be goals that stand high and so inspire every citizen to climb always toward mounting levels of moral intellectual and material strength every advance toward them must stir pride in individual and national achievements to define these goals i intend to mobilize help from every available source we need more than politically ordained national objectives to challenge the best efforts of free men and women a group of selfless and devoted individuals outside of government could effectively participate in making the necessary appraisal of the potentials of our future the result would be establishment of national goals that would not only spur us on to our finest efforts but would meet the stern test of practicality the committee i plan will comprise educators and representatives of labor management finance the professions and every other kind of useful activity such a study would update and supplement in the light of continuous changes in our society and its economy the monumental work of the committee on recent social trends which was appointed in 1931 by president hoover its report has stood the test of time and has had a beneficial influence on national development the new committee would be concerned among other things with the acceleration of our economy growth and the living standards of our people their health and education their better assurance of life and liberty and their greater opportunities it would also be concerned with methods to meet such goals and what levels of government local state or federal might or should be particularly concerned as one example consider our schools operated under the authority of local communities and states in their capacity and in their quality they conform to no recognizable standards in some places facilities are ample in others meager pay of teachers ranges between wide limits from the adequate to the shameful as would be expected quality of teaching varies just as widely but to our teachers we commit the most valuable possession of the nation and of the family our children we must have teachers of competence to obtain and hold them we need standards we need a national goal once established i am certain that public opinion would compel steady progress toward its accomplishment such studies would be helpful i believe to government at all levels and to all individuals the goals so established could help us see our current needs in perspective they will spur progress we do not forget of course that our nation progress and fiscal integrity are interdependent and inseparable we can afford everything we clearly need but we can not afford one cent of waste we must examine every item of governmental expense critically to do otherwise would betray our nation future thrift is one of the characteristics that has made this nation great why should we ignore it now we must avoid any contribution to inflationary processes which could disrupt sound growth in our economy prices have displayed a welcome stability in recent months and if we are wise and resolute we will not tolerate inflation in the years to come but history makes clear the risks inherent in any failure to deal firmly with the causes of inflation two of the most important of these causes are the spiral and continued deficit financing inflation would reduce job opportunities price us out of world markets shrink the value of savings and penalize the thrift so essential to finance a growing economy inflation is not a robin hood taking from the rich to give to the poor rather it deals most cruelly with those who can least protect themselves it strikes hardest those millions of our citizens whose incomes do not quickly rise with the cost of living when prices soar the pensioner and the widow see their security undermined the man of thrift sees his savings melt away the white collar worker the minister and the teacher see their standards of living dragged down inflation can be prevented but this demands statesmanship on the part of business and labor leaders and of government at all levels we must encourage the the restraint necessary to curb the spiral and we must meet current costs from current revenue to minimize the danger of future soaring prices and to keep our economy sound and expanding i shall present to the congress certain proposals first i shall submit a balanced budget for the next year a year expected to be the most prosperous in our history it is a realistic budget with wholly attainable objectives if we can not live within our means during such a time of rising prosperity the hope for fiscal integrity will fade if we persist in living beyond our means we make it difficult for every family in our land to balance its own household budget but to live within our means would be a tangible demonstration of the needed to assure a stable dollar the constitution entrusts the executive with many functions but the congress and the congress alone has the power of the purse ultimately upon congress rests responsibility for determining the scope and amount of federal spending by working together the congress and the executive can keep a balance between income and outgo if this is done there is real hope that we can look forward to a time in the foreseeable future when needed tax reforms can be accomplished in this hope i am requesting the secretary of the treasury to prepare appropriate proposals for revising at the proper time our tax structure to remove inequities and to enhance incentives for all americans to work to save and to invest such recommendations will be made as soon as our fiscal condition permits these prospects will be brightened if 1960 expenditures do not exceed the levels recommended second i shall recommend to the congress that the chief executive be given the responsibility either to approve or to veto specific items in appropriations and authorization bills 1 this would save tax dollars at this point the message as recorded from the floor and printed in the congressional record shows the following interpolation i assure you gentlemen that i know this recommendation has been made time and again by every president that has appeared in this hall for many years but i say this it still is one of the most important corrections that could be made in our annual expenditure program because this would save tax dollars applause third to reduce federal operations in an area where private enterprise can do the job i shall recommend legislation for greater flexibility in extending federal credit and in improving the procedures under which private credits are insured or guaranteed present practices have needlessly added large sums to federal expenditures fourth action is required to make more effective use of the large federal expenditures for agriculture and to achieve greater fiscal control in this area outlays of the department of agriculture for the current fiscal year for the support of farm prices on a very few farm products will exceed five billion dollars that is a sum equal to approximately of the net income of all farm operators in the entire united states by the end of this fiscal year it is estimated that there will be in government hands surplus farm products worth about nine billion dollars and by july 1 1959 government expenditures for storage interest and handling of its agricultural inventory will reach a rate of one billion dollars a year this level of expenditure for farm products could be made willingly for a temporary period if it were leading to a sound solution of the problem but unfortunately this is not true we need new legislation in the past i have sent messages to the congress requesting greater freedom for our farmers to manage their own farms and greater freedom for markets to reflect the wishes of producers and consumers legislative changes that followed were appropriate in direction but did not go far enough the situation calls for prompt and forthright action recommendation for action will be contained in a message to be transmitted to the congress shortly these fiscal and related actions will help create an environment of price stability for economic growth however certain additional measures are needed i shall ask congress to amend the employment act of 1946 to make it clear that government intends to use all appropriate means to protect the buying power of the dollar i am establishing a continuing cabinet group on price stability for economic growth to study governmental and private policies affecting costs prices and economic growth it will strive also to build a better public understanding of the conditions necessary for maintaining growth and price stability studies are being undertaken to improve our information on prices wages and productivity i believe all citizens in all walks of life will support this program of action to accelerate economic growth and promote price stability iii i take up next certain aspects of our international situation and our programs to strengthen it america security can be assured only within a world community strong stable independent nations in which the concepts of freedom justice and human dignity can flourish there can be no such thing as fortress america if ever we were reduced to the isolation implied by that term we would occupy a prison not a fortress the question whether we can afford to help other nations that want to defend their freedom but can not fully do so from their own means has only one answer we can and we must we have been doing so since 1947 our foreign policy has long been dedicated to building a permanent and just peace during the past six years our free world security arrangements have been bolstered and the bonds of freedom have been more closely knit our friends in western europe are experiencing new internal vitality and are increasingly more able to resist external threats over the years the world has come to understand clearly that it is our firm policy not to countenance aggression in lebanon taiwan and berlin our stand has been dear right and expressive of the determined will of a united people acting with other free nations we have undertaken the solemn obligation to defend the people of free berlin against any effort to destroy their freedom in the meantime we shall constantly seek meaningful agreements to settle this and other problems knowing full well that not only the integrity of a single city but the hope of all free peoples is at stake we need likewise to continue helping to build the economic base so essential to the free world stability and strength the international monetary fund and the world bank have both fully proven their worth as instruments of international financial cooperation their executive directors have recommended an increase in each member country subscription i am requesting the congress for immediate approval of our share of these increases we are now negotiating with representatives of the twenty latin american republics for the creation of an financial institution its purpose would be to join all the american republics in a common institution which would promote and finance development in latin america and make more effective the use of capital from the world bank the bank and private sources private enterprise continues to make major contributions to economic development in all parts of the world but we have not yet marshalled the full potential of american business for this task particularly in countries which have recently attained their independence i shall present to this congress a program designed to encourage greater participation by private enterprise in economic development abroad further all of us know that to advance the because of freedom we must do much more than help build sound economies the spiritual intellectual and physical strength of people throughout the world will in the last analysis determine their willingness and their ability to resist communism to give a single illustration of our many efforts in these fields we have been a participant in the effort that has been made over the past few years against one of the great scourges of mankind disease through the mutual security program public health officials are being trained by american universities to serve in less developed countries we are engaged in intensive malaria eradication projects in many parts of the world america major successes in our own country prove the feasibility of success everywhere by these and other means we shall continue and expand our campaign against the afflictions that now bring needless suffering and death to so many of the world people we wish to be part of a great shared effort toward the triumph of health iv america is best described by one word freedom if we hope to strengthen freedom in the world we must be ever mindful of how our own conduct reacts elsewhere no nation has ever been so floodlighted by world opinion as the united states is today everything we do is carefully scrutinized by other peoples throughout the world the bad is seen along with the good because we are human we err but as free men we are also responsible for correcting the errors and imperfections of our ways last january i made comprehensive recommendations to the congress for legislation in the field to my disappointment congress failed to act the mcclellan committee disclosures of corruption racketeering and abuse of trust and power in affairs have aroused america and amazed other peoples they emphasize the need for improved local law enforcement and the enactment of effective federal legislation to protect the public interest and to insure the rights and economic freedoms of millions of american workers halfhearted measures will not do i shall recommend prompt enactment of legislation designed to safeguard workers funds in union treasuries against misuse of any kind whatsoever to protect the rights and freedoms of individual union members including the basic right to free and secret elections of officers to advance true and responsible collective bargaining to protect the public and innocent third parties from unfair and coercive practices such as boycotting and blackmail picketing the workers and the public must have these vital protections in other areas of human rights freedom from discrimination in voting in public education in access to jobs and in other respects the world is likewise watching our conduct the image of america abroad is not improved when school children through closing of some of our schools and through no fault of their own are deprived of their opportunity for an education the government of a free people has no purpose more noble than to work for the maximum realization of equality of opportunity under law this is not the sole responsibility of any one branch of our government the judicial arm which has the ultimate authority for interpreting the constitution has held that certain state laws and practices discriminate upon racial grounds and are unconstitutional whenever the supremacy of the constitution of the united states is challenged i shall continue to take every action necessary to uphold it one of the fundamental concepts of our constitutional system is that it guarantees to every individual regardless of race religion or national origin the equal protection of the laws those of us who are privileged to hold public office have a solemn obligation to make meaningful this inspiring objective we can fulfill that obligation by our leadership in teaching persuading demonstrating and in enforcing the law we are making noticeable progress in the field of civil rights we are moving forward toward achievement of equality of opportunity for all people everywhere in the united states in the interest of the nation and of each of its citizens that progress must continue legislative proposals of the administration in this field will be submitted to the congress early in the session all of us should help to make clear that the government is united in the common purpose of giving support to the law and the decisions of the courts by moving steadily toward the goal of greater freedom under law for our own people we shall be the better prepared to work for the because of freedom under law throughout the world all peoples are solely tired of the fear destruction and the waste of war as never before the world knows the human and material costs of war and seeks to replace force with a genuine role of law among nations it is my purpose to intensify efforts during the coming two years in seeking ways to supplement the procedures of the united nations and other bodies with similar objectives to the end that the rule of law may replace the rule of force in the affairs of nations measures toward this end will be proposed later including a of our own relation to the international court of justice finally let us remind ourselves that marxist scripture is not new it is not the gospel of the future its basic objective is dictatorship old as history what is new is the shining prospect that man can build a world where all can live in dignity we seek victory not over any nation or people but over the ancient enemies of us all victory over ignorance poverty disease and human degradation wherever they may be found we march in the noblest of causes human freedom if we make ourselves worthy of america ideals if we do not forget that our nation was founded on the premise that all men are creatures of god making the world will come to know that it is free men who carry forward the true promise of human progress and dignity dwight eisenhower
delivered person joint session president speaker members 86th congress fellow citizens moment congress executive annually begin cooperative work build better america one basic purpose unites us promote strength security side side liberty opportunity meet today 170th year republic nation must continue provide free governments throughout time satisfactory answer question old history government based upon liberty rights man permanently endure ceaselessly challenged dictatorship hostile mode life controlling economic military power great growing strength us answer always found still found devotion vision courage fortitude people moreover challenge face single powerful nation one recent decades reached position recognized leadership free world arrived position leadership era remarkable productivity growth also time man power mass destruction reached fearful proportions possession capabilities helps create world suspicion tension part know seek peace aggressive designs one yet realize uneasiness world belief part peoples arrogance miscalculation fear attack catastrophic war could launched keeping peace today world ever calls utmost nation resolution wisdom steadiness unremitting effort build peace desire alone moreover learned bitter lesson international agreements historically considered us sacred regarded communist doctrine practice mere scraps paper recent proof disdain international obligations solemnly undertaken announced intention abandon responsibilities respecting berlin consequence confidence treaty communists party except treaty provides within mechanisms indeed demonstrated disregard communists pledges one greatest obstacles success substituting rule law rule force yet step step must strengthen institutions peace peace rests upon justice peace depends upon deep knowledge dear understanding peoples consequences possible failure great purpose achieve peace seek prevent war place dimension despite best efforts local dispute flare armed hostilities next problem would keep conflict spreading compromising freedom support objectives maintain forces great power flexibility formidable air striking forces powerful deterrent general war large growing portions units depart bases matter minutes similar forces included naval fleets ground tactical formations move swiftness precision requested friendly responsible governments help curb threatened aggression stabilizing influence capacity dramatically demonstrated past year military related scientific progress highly gratifying great strides made development ballistic missiles intermediate range missiles deployed operational units arias intercontinental ballistic missile program marked rapid development evidenced recent successful tests missile training units established launching sites far along construction new aircraft fly twice speed sound entering squadrons successfully placed five satellites orbit gathered information scientific importance never available latest satellite illustrates steady advance rocketry foreshadows new developments communications warning systems constantly improve atomic submarines shattered endurance records made historic voyages north polar sea major segment national scientific engineering community working intensively achieve new greater developments advance military technology requires adequate financing course even requires talent time given matter history record progress space ballistic missile fields four years intensive effort time clearly recognize recent soviet accomplishments particular technology indeed brilliant law enacted last year department defense reorganized give secretary defense full authority military establishment greater efficiency cohesive effort speedier reaction emergencies among many advantages already noting changes highlights point steady military gains rightfully gratified achievements represent must remember imposing armaments purchased great cost national security programs account nearly sixty percent entire federal budget coming fiscal year modern weapons exceedingly expensive overall cost introducing atlas armed forces average 35 million per missile firing line year investing aggregate close 7 billion missile programs alone billions go research development test evaluation new weapons systems latest atomic submarines cost 50 millions special types cost three times much ordering fighter aircraft priced fifty times much fighters world war ii buying certain bombers cost weight gold sums tremendous even compared marvelous resiliency capacity economy expenditures demand balance perspective planning defense every turn must weigh judge select needless duplication weapons forces must avoided must guard feverish building vast armaments meet glibly predicted moments maximum peril threat face sporadic dated continuous hence must swayed calculations either groundless fear complacency must avoid extremes vacillation extremes inefficient costly destructive morale days unceasing technological advance must plan defense expenditures systematically care fully recognizing obsolescence compels replacement older weapons new ones defense budget coming year planned basis principles considerations many months personally participated development aim sensible posture defense secondary aim increased efficiency avoidance waste achieved budgetary plan working guide lines believe heart america sure strength efficiency armed forces loyalty equally sure nation thus avoid useless expenditures name security might tend undermine economy therefore nation safety vast strength part required dependable security joined nearly 50 nations collective security arrangements common undertakings nation expected contribute sharing heavy load supplies part strategic deployment protect forward boundaries freedom constantly seek new ways make effective contribution system collective security recently asked committee eminent americans parties military assistance programs relative emphasis placed military economic aid hopeful preliminary recommendations committee available time assist shaping mutual security program coming fiscal year survey free world defense structure fail impart feeling regret much effort resources must devoted armaments geneva elsewhere continue seek technical agreements may help open promise issues international disarmament america never give hope eventually nations mutual confidence drastically reduce expenditures ii material foundation national safety strong expanding economy must maintain economy secure simultaneously provide people year ago nation experiencing decline employment output today recession fading history without gigantic public works projects untimely tax reductions healthy vigorous recovery way since last may new homes built highest rate several years retail sales peak levels personal income high marked forward thrust economy reaffirms confidence competitive enterprise clearly wisdom prudence public private sectors economy always necessary outlook 1960 commitments armed forces atomic energy commission military assistance exceed 47 billion dollars foreseeable future likely significantly lower annual population increase three million governmental costs bound mount provided wisely military strength must judge allocate remaining government resources effectively promote economic growth federal programs benefit citizens moving forward next year spending increased amounts health programs federal assistance science education development nation water resources renewal urban areas vast system highways additional outlays made necessary surging growth america let illustrate responsive growth federal grants long term loans assist 14 major types capital improvements cities total 2 billion dollars 1960 double expenditure two years ago major responsibility development fields rests localities even though federal government continue proper part meeting genuine needs burgeoning population progress economy match growth needs need act wisely confidently hope permit digress long enough express something much mind basic question facing us today mere survival military defense national life territory preservation way life must meet world challenge time permit stagnation america unless progress regress successfully sustain security remain true heritage freedom clearly visualize tasks ahead set perform resolution fervor must first define tasks understand must perform progress steady must long term guides extending far ahead certainly five possibly even ten years must reflect knowledge end five years population 190 million must goals stand high inspire every citizen climb always toward mounting levels moral intellectual material strength every advance toward must stir pride individual national achievements define goals intend mobilize help every available source need politically ordained national objectives challenge best efforts free men women group selfless devoted individuals outside government could effectively participate making necessary appraisal potentials future result would establishment national goals would spur us finest efforts would meet stern test practicality committee plan comprise educators representatives labor management finance professions every kind useful activity study would update supplement light continuous changes society economy monumental work committee recent social trends appointed 1931 president hoover report stood test time beneficial influence national development new committee would concerned among things acceleration economy growth living standards people health education better assurance life liberty greater opportunities would also concerned methods meet goals levels government local state federal might particularly concerned one example consider schools operated authority local communities states capacity quality conform recognizable standards places facilities ample others meager pay teachers ranges wide limits adequate shameful would expected quality teaching varies widely teachers commit valuable possession nation family children must teachers competence obtain hold need standards need national goal established certain public opinion would compel steady progress toward accomplishment studies would helpful believe government levels individuals goals established could help us see current needs perspective spur progress forget course nation progress fiscal integrity interdependent inseparable afford everything clearly need afford one cent waste must examine every item governmental expense critically otherwise would betray nation future thrift one characteristics made nation great ignore must avoid contribution inflationary processes could disrupt sound growth economy prices displayed welcome stability recent months wise resolute tolerate inflation years come history makes clear risks inherent failure deal firmly causes inflation two important causes spiral continued deficit financing inflation would reduce job opportunities price us world markets shrink value savings penalize thrift essential finance growing economy inflation robin hood taking rich give poor rather deals cruelly least protect strikes hardest millions citizens whose incomes quickly rise cost living prices soar pensioner widow see security undermined man thrift sees savings melt away white collar worker minister teacher see standards living dragged inflation prevented demands statesmanship part business labor leaders government levels must encourage restraint necessary curb spiral must meet current costs current revenue minimize danger future soaring prices keep economy sound expanding shall present congress certain proposals first shall submit balanced budget next year year expected prosperous history realistic budget wholly attainable objectives live within means time rising prosperity hope fiscal integrity fade persist living beyond means make difficult every family land balance household budget live within means would tangible demonstration needed assure stable dollar constitution entrusts executive many functions congress congress alone power purse ultimately upon congress rests responsibility determining scope amount federal spending working together congress executive keep balance income outgo done real hope look forward time foreseeable future needed tax reforms accomplished hope requesting secretary treasury prepare appropriate proposals revising proper time tax structure remove inequities enhance incentives americans work save invest recommendations made soon fiscal condition permits prospects brightened 1960 expenditures exceed levels recommended second shall recommend congress chief executive given responsibility either approve veto specific items appropriations authorization bills 1 would save tax dollars point message recorded floor printed congressional record shows following interpolation assure gentlemen know recommendation made time every president appeared hall many years say still one important corrections could made annual expenditure program would save tax dollars applause third reduce federal operations area private enterprise job shall recommend legislation greater flexibility extending federal credit improving procedures private credits insured guaranteed present practices needlessly added large sums federal expenditures fourth action required make effective use large federal expenditures agriculture achieve greater fiscal control area outlays department agriculture current fiscal year support farm prices farm products exceed five billion dollars sum equal approximately net income farm operators entire united states end fiscal year estimated government hands surplus farm products worth nine billion dollars july 1 1959 government expenditures storage interest handling agricultural inventory reach rate one billion dollars year level expenditure farm products could made willingly temporary period leading sound solution problem unfortunately true need new legislation past sent messages congress requesting greater freedom farmers manage farms greater freedom markets reflect wishes producers consumers legislative changes followed appropriate direction go far enough situation calls prompt forthright action recommendation action contained message transmitted congress shortly fiscal related actions help create environment price stability economic growth however certain additional measures needed shall ask congress amend employment act 1946 make clear government intends use appropriate means protect buying power dollar establishing continuing cabinet group price stability economic growth study governmental private policies affecting costs prices economic growth strive also build better public understanding conditions necessary maintaining growth price stability studies undertaken improve information prices wages productivity believe citizens walks life support program action accelerate economic growth promote price stability iii take next certain aspects international situation programs strengthen america security assured within world community strong stable independent nations concepts freedom justice human dignity flourish thing fortress america ever reduced isolation implied term would occupy prison fortress question whether afford help nations want defend freedom fully means one answer must since 1947 foreign policy long dedicated building permanent peace past six years free world security arrangements bolstered bonds freedom closely knit friends western europe experiencing new internal vitality increasingly able resist external threats years world come understand clearly firm policy countenance aggression lebanon taiwan berlin stand dear right expressive determined united people acting free nations undertaken solemn obligation defend people free berlin effort destroy freedom meantime shall constantly seek meaningful agreements settle problems knowing full well integrity single city hope free peoples stake need likewise continue helping build economic base essential free world stability strength international monetary fund world bank fully proven worth instruments international financial cooperation executive directors recommended increase member country subscription requesting congress immediate approval share increases negotiating representatives twenty latin american republics creation financial institution purpose would join american republics common institution would promote finance development latin america make effective use capital world bank bank private sources private enterprise continues make major contributions economic development parts world yet marshalled full potential american business task particularly countries recently attained independence shall present congress program designed encourage greater participation private enterprise economic development abroad us know advance freedom must much help build sound economies spiritual intellectual physical strength people throughout world last analysis determine willingness ability resist communism give single illustration many efforts fields participant effort made past years one great scourges mankind disease mutual security program public health officials trained american universities serve less developed countries engaged intensive malaria eradication projects many parts world america major successes country prove feasibility success everywhere means shall continue expand campaign afflictions bring needless suffering death many world people wish part great shared effort toward triumph health iv america best described one word freedom hope strengthen freedom world must ever mindful conduct reacts elsewhere nation ever floodlighted world opinion united states today everything carefully scrutinized peoples throughout world bad seen along good human err free men also responsible correcting errors imperfections ways last january made comprehensive recommendations congress legislation field disappointment congress failed act mcclellan committee disclosures corruption racketeering abuse trust power affairs aroused america amazed peoples emphasize need improved local law enforcement enactment effective federal legislation protect public interest insure rights economic freedoms millions american workers halfhearted measures shall recommend prompt enactment legislation designed safeguard workers funds union treasuries misuse kind whatsoever protect rights freedoms individual union members including basic right free secret elections officers advance true responsible collective bargaining protect public innocent third parties unfair coercive practices boycotting blackmail picketing workers public must vital protections areas human rights freedom discrimination voting public education access jobs respects world likewise watching conduct image america abroad improved school children closing schools fault deprived opportunity education government free people purpose noble work maximum realization equality opportunity law sole responsibility one branch government judicial arm ultimate authority interpreting constitution held certain state laws practices discriminate upon racial grounds unconstitutional whenever supremacy constitution united states challenged shall continue take every action necessary uphold one fundamental concepts constitutional system guarantees every individual regardless race religion national origin equal protection laws us privileged hold public office solemn obligation make meaningful inspiring objective fulfill obligation leadership teaching persuading demonstrating enforcing law making noticeable progress field civil rights moving forward toward achievement equality opportunity people everywhere united states interest nation citizens progress must continue legislative proposals administration field submitted congress early session us help make clear government united common purpose giving support law decisions courts moving steadily toward goal greater freedom law people shall better prepared work freedom law throughout world peoples solely tired fear destruction waste war never world knows human material costs war seeks replace force genuine role law among nations purpose intensify efforts coming two years seeking ways supplement procedures united nations bodies similar objectives end rule law may replace rule force affairs nations measures toward end proposed later including relation international court justice finally let us remind marxist scripture new gospel future basic objective dictatorship old history new shining prospect man build world live dignity seek victory nation people ancient enemies us victory ignorance poverty disease human degradation wherever may found march noblest causes human freedom make worthy america ideals forget nation founded premise men creatures god making world come know free men carry forward true promise human progress dignity dwight eisenhower
deliver person joint session president speaker member 86th congress fellow citizen moment congress executive annually begin cooperative work build good america one basic purpose unites u promote strength security side side liberty opportunity meet today 170th year republic nation must continue provide free government throughout time satisfactory answer question old history government base upon liberty right man permanently endure ceaselessly challenge dictatorship hostile mode life control economic military power great grow strength u answer always find still find devotion vision courage fortitude people moreover challenge face single powerful nation one recent decade reach position recognize leadership free world arrive position leadership era remarkable productivity growth also time man power mass destruction reach fearful proportion possession capability help create world suspicion tension part know seek peace aggressive design one yet realize uneasiness world belief part people arrogance miscalculation fear attack catastrophic war could launch keep peace today world ever call utmost nation resolution wisdom steadiness unremitting effort build peace desire alone moreover learn bitter lesson international agreement historically consider u sacred regarded communist doctrine practice mere scrap paper recent proof disdain international obligation solemnly undertake announced intention abandon responsibility respect berlin consequence confidence treaty communists party except treaty provide within mechanism indeed demonstrate disregard communist pledge one great obstacle success substitute rule law rule force yet step step must strengthen institution peace peace rest upon justice peace depend upon deep knowledge dear understand people consequence possible failure great purpose achieve peace seek prevent war place dimension despite best effort local dispute flare arm hostility next problem would keep conflict spread compromise freedom support objective maintain force great power flexibility formidable air strike force powerful deterrent general war large grow portion unit depart base matter minute similar force include naval fleet grind tactical formation move swiftness precision request friendly responsible government help curb threaten aggression stabilize influence capacity dramatically demonstrate past year military relate scientific progress highly gratify great stride make development ballistic missile intermediate range missile deploy operational unit arias intercontinental ballistic missile program mark rapid development evidence recent successful test missile train unit establish launch site far along construction new aircraft fly twice speed sound entering squadron successfully place five satellite orbit gathered information scientific importance never available late satellite illustrate steady advance rocketry foreshadow new development communication warn system constantly improve atomic submarine shatter endurance record make historic voyage north polar sea major segment national scientific engineering community work intensively achieve new great development advance military technology require adequate financing course even require talent time give matter history record progress space ballistic missile field four year intensive effort time clearly recognize recent soviet accomplishment particular technology indeed brilliant law enact last year department defense reorganize give secretary defense full authority military establishment great efficiency cohesive effort speedy reaction emergency among many advantage already note change highlight point steady military gain rightfully gratify achievement represent must remember impose armament purchase great cost national security program account nearly sixty percent entire federal budget come fiscal year modern weapon exceedingly expensive overall cost introducing atlas arm force average 35 million per missile firing line year invest aggregate close 7 billion missile program alone billion go research development test evaluation new weapon system late atomic submarine cost 50 million special type cost three time much order fighter aircraft price fifty time much fighter world war ii buying certain bomber cost weight gold sum tremendous even compare marvelous resiliency capacity economy expenditures demand balance perspective planning defense every turn must weigh judge select needless duplication weapon force must avoid must guard feverish building vast armament meet glibly predict moment maximum peril threat face sporadic date continuous hence must sway calculation either groundless fear complacency must avoid extremes vacillation extreme inefficient costly destructive morale day unceasing technological advance must plan defense expenditures systematically care fully recognize obsolescence compels replacement old weapon new one defense budget come year plan basis principle consideration many month personally participate development aim sensible posture defense secondary aim increase efficiency avoidance waste achieve budgetary plan work guide line believe heart america sure strength efficiency arm force loyalty equally sure nation thus avoid useless expenditure name security might tend undermine economy therefore nation safety vast strength part require dependable security join nearly 50 nation collective security arrangement common undertakings nation expect contribute share heavy load supply part strategic deployment protect forward boundary freedom constantly seek new way make effective contribution system collective security recently ask committee eminent american party military assistance program relative emphasis place military economic aid hopeful preliminary recommendation committee available time assist shape mutual security program come fiscal year survey free world defense structure fail impart feeling regret much effort resource must devote armament geneva elsewhere continue seek technical agreement may help open promise issue international disarmament america never give hope eventually nation mutual confidence drastically reduce expenditure ii material foundation national safety strong expand economy must maintain economy secure simultaneously provide people year ago nation experience decline employment output today recession fade history without gigantic public work project untimely tax reduction healthy vigorous recovery way since last may new home build high rate several year retail sale peak level personal income high mark forward thrust economy reaffirms confidence competitive enterprise clearly wisdom prudence public private sector economy always necessary outlook 1960 commitment arm force atomic energy commission military assistance exceed 47 billion dollar foreseeable future likely significantly low annual population increase three million governmental cost bind mount provide wisely military strength must judge allocate remain government resource effectively promote economic growth federal program benefit citizen move forward next year spending increase amount health program federal assistance science education development nation water resource renewal urban area vast system highways additional outlay make necessary surge growth america let illustrate responsive growth federal grant long term loan assist 14 major type capital improvement city total 2 billion dollar 1960 double expenditure two year ago major responsibility development field rest locality even though federal government continue proper part meeting genuine need burgeon population progress economy match growth need need act wisely confidently hope permit digress long enough express something much mind basic question face u today mere survival military defense national life territory preservation way life must meet world challenge time permit stagnation america unless progress regress successfully sustain security remain true heritage freedom clearly visualize task ahead set perform resolution fervor must first define task understand must perform progress steady must long term guide extend far ahead certainly five possibly even ten year must reflect knowledge end five year population 190 million must goal stand high inspire every citizen climb always toward mount level moral intellectual material strength every advance toward must stir pride individual national achievement define goal intend mobilize help every available source need politically ordain national objective challenge best effort free men woman group selfless devote individual outside government could effectively participate make necessary appraisal potential future result would establishment national goal would spur u fine effort would meet stern test practicality committee plan comprise educator representative labor management finance profession every kind useful activity study would update supplement light continuous change society economy monumental work committee recent social trend appoint 1931 president hoover report stand test time beneficial influence national development new committee would concern among thing acceleration economy growth living standard people health education well assurance life liberty great opportunity would also concern method meet goal level government local state federal might particularly concerned one example consider school operate authority local community state capacity quality conform recognizable standard place facility ample others meager pay teacher range wide limit adequate shameful would expect quality teach varies widely teacher commit valuable possession nation family child must teachers competence obtain hold need standard need national goal establish certain public opinion would compel steady progress toward accomplishment study would helpful believe government level individual goal establish could help u see current need perspective spur progress forget course nation progress fiscal integrity interdependent inseparable afford everything clearly need afford one cent waste must examine every item governmental expense critically otherwise would betray nation future thrift one characteristic make nation great ignore must avoid contribution inflationary process could disrupt sound growth economy price display welcome stability recent month wise resolute tolerate inflation year come history make clear risk inherent failure deal firmly cause inflation two important cause spiral continue deficit financing inflation would reduce job opportunity price u world market shrink value saving penalize thrift essential finance grow economy inflation robin hood take rich give poor rather deal cruelly least protect strike hard million citizen whose income quickly rise cost living price soar pensioner widow see security undermine man thrift see saving melt away white collar worker minister teacher see standard live dragged inflation prevent demand statesmanship part business labor leader government level must encourage restraint necessary curb spiral must meet current cost current revenue minimize danger future soar price keep economy sound expand shall present congress certain proposal first shall submit balanced budget next year year expect prosperous history realistic budget wholly attainable objective live within mean time rise prosperity hope fiscal integrity fade persist live beyond mean make difficult every family land balance household budget live within mean would tangible demonstration need assure stable dollar constitution entrusts executive many function congress congress alone power purse ultimately upon congress rest responsibility determine scope amount federal spending work together congress executive keep balance income outgo do real hope look forward time foreseeable future need tax reform accomplish hope request secretary treasury prepare appropriate proposal revise proper time tax structure remove inequity enhance incentive american work save invest recommendation make soon fiscal condition permit prospect brighten 1960 expenditure exceed level recommend second shall recommend congress chief executive give responsibility either approve veto specific item appropriation authorization bill 1 would save tax dollar point message record floor print congressional record show follow interpolation assure gentleman know recommendation make time every president appear hall many year say still one important correction could make annual expenditure program would save tax dollar applause third reduce federal operation area private enterprise job shall recommend legislation great flexibility extend federal credit improve procedure private credit insure guaranteed present practice needlessly add large sum federal expenditure fourth action require make effective use large federal expenditure agriculture achieve great fiscal control area outlay department agriculture current fiscal year support farm price farm product exceed five billion dollar sum equal approximately net income farm operator entire united state end fiscal year estimate government hand surplus farm product worth nine billion dollar july 1 1959 government expenditures storage interest handle agricultural inventory reach rate one billion dollar year level expenditure farm product could make willingly temporary period lead sound solution problem unfortunately true need new legislation past sent message congress request great freedom farmer manage farm great freedom market reflect wish producer consumer legislative change follow appropriate direction go far enough situation call prompt forthright action recommendation action contain message transmit congress shortly fiscal related action help create environment price stability economic growth however certain additional measure need shall ask congress amend employment act 1946 make clear government intend use appropriate mean protect buy power dollar establish continue cabinet group price stability economic growth study governmental private policy affect cost price economic growth strive also build good public understanding condition necessary maintain growth price stability study undertake improve information price wag productivity believe citizen walk life support program action accelerate economic growth promote price stability iii take next certain aspect international situation program strengthen america security assure within world community strong stable independent nation concept freedom justice human dignity flourish thing fortress america ever reduce isolation implied term would occupy prison fortress question whether afford help nation want defend freedom fully mean one answer must since 1947 foreign policy long dedicate building permanent peace past six year free world security arrangement bolster bond freedom closely knit friend western europe experience new internal vitality increasingly able resist external threat year world come understand clearly firm policy countenance aggression lebanon taiwan berlin stand dear right expressive determine united people act free nation undertaken solemn obligation defend people free berlin effort destroy freedom meantime shall constantly seek meaningful agreement settle problem know full well integrity single city hope free people stake need likewise continue help build economic base essential free world stability strength international monetary fund world bank fully proven worth instrument international financial cooperation executive director recommend increase member country subscription request congress immediate approval share increase negotiate representative twenty latin american republic creation financial institution purpose would join american republic common institution would promote finance development latin america make effective use capital world bank bank private source private enterprise continue make major contribution economic development part world yet marshal full potential american business task particularly country recently attain independence shall present congress program design encourage great participation private enterprise economic development abroad u know advance freedom must much help build sound economy spiritual intellectual physical strength people throughout world last analysis determine willingness ability resist communism give single illustration many effort field participant effort make past year one great scourge mankind disease mutual security program public health official train american university serve less developed country engage intensive malaria eradication project many part world america major success country prove feasibility success everywhere mean shall continue expand campaign affliction bring needless suffer death many world people wish part great shared effort toward triumph health iv america best describe one word freedom hope strengthen freedom world must ever mindful conduct reacts elsewhere nation ever floodlight world opinion united state today everything carefully scrutinize people throughout world bad see along good human err free men also responsible correct error imperfection way last january make comprehensive recommendation congress legislation field disappointment congress fail act mcclellan committee disclosures corruption racketeering abuse trust power affair arouse america amaze people emphasize need improve local law enforcement enactment effective federal legislation protect public interest insure right economic freedom million american worker halfhearted measure shall recommend prompt enactment legislation design safeguard worker fund union treasury misuse kind whatsoever protect right freedoms individual union member include basic right free secret election officer advance true responsible collective bargaining protect public innocent third party unfair coercive practice boycott blackmail picket worker public must vital protection area human right freedom discrimination vote public education access job respect world likewise watch conduct image america abroad improve school child closing school fault deprive opportunity education government free people purpose noble work maximum realization equality opportunity law sole responsibility one branch government judicial arm ultimate authority interpret constitution hold certain state law practice discriminate upon racial ground unconstitutional whenever supremacy constitution united state challenge shall continue take every action necessary uphold one fundamental concept constitutional system guarantee every individual regardless race religion national origin equal protection law u privilege hold public office solemn obligation make meaningful inspire objective fulfill obligation leadership teach persuade demonstrate enforce law make noticeable progress field civil right move forward toward achievement equality opportunity people everywhere united state interest nation citizens progress must continue legislative proposal administration field submit congress early session u help make clear government unite common purpose give support law decision court move steadily toward goal great freedom law people shall well prepared work freedom law throughout world people solely tire fear destruction waste war never world know human material cost war seek replace force genuine role law among nation purpose intensify effort come two year seek way supplement procedure united nation body similar objective end rule law may replace rule force affair nation measure toward end propose later include relation international court justice finally let u remind marxist scripture new gospel future basic objective dictatorship old history new shin prospect man build world live dignity seek victory nation people ancient enemy u victory ignorance poverty disease human degradation wherever may find march noble cause human freedom make worthy america ideal forget nation found premise men creature god make world come know free men carry forward true promise human progress dignity dwight eisenhower