To the Congress of the United States: Once again it is my Constitutional duty to assess the state of the Union. On each such previous occasion during these past eight years I have outlined a forward course designed to achieve our mutual objective--a better America in a world of peace. This time my function is different. The American people, in free election, have selected new leadership which soon will be entrusted with the management of our government. A new President shortly will lay before you his proposals to shape the future of our great land. To him, every citizen, whatever his political beliefs, prayerfully extends best wishes for good health and for wisdom and success in coping with the problems that confront our Nation. For my part, I should like, first, to express to you of the Congress, my appreciation of your devotion to the common good and your friendship over these difficult years. I will carry with me pleasant memories of this association in endeavors profoundly significant to all our people. We have been through a lengthy period in which the control over the executive and legislative branches of government has been divided between our two great political parties. Differences, of course, we have had, particularly in domestic affairs. But in a united determination to keep this Nation strong and free and to utilize our vast resources for the advancement of all mankind, we have carried America to unprecedented heights. For this cooperative achievement I thank the American people and those in the Congress of both parties who have supported programs in the interest of our country. I should also like to give special thanks for the devoted service of my associates in the Executive Branch and the hundreds of thousands of career employees who have implemented our diverse government programs. My second purpose is to review briefly the record of these past eight years in the hope that, out of the sum of these experiences, lessons will emerge that are useful to our Nation. Supporting this review are detailed reports from the several agencies and departments, all of which are now or will shortly be available to the Congress. Throughout the world the years since 1953 have been a period of profound change. The human problems in the world grow more acute hour by hour; yet new gains in science and technology continually extend the promise of a better life. People yearn to be free, to govern themselves; yet a third of the people of the world have no freedom, do not govern themselves. The world recognizes the catastrophic nature of nuclear war; yet it sees the wondrous potential of nuclear peace. During the period, the United States has forged ahead under a constructive foreign policy. The continuing goal is peace, liberty, and well-being--for others as well as ourselves. The aspirations of all peoples are one--peace with justice in freedom. Peace can only be attained collectively as peoples everywhere unite in their determination that liberty and well-being come to all mankind. Yet while we have worked to advance national aspirations for freedom, a divisive force has been at work to divert that aspiration into dangerous channels. The Communist movement throughout the world exploits the natural striving of all to be free and attempts to subjugate men rather than free them. These activities have caused and are continuing to cause grave troubles in the world. Here at home these have been times for careful adjustment of our economy from the artificial impetus of a hot war to constructive growth in a precarious peace. While building a new economic vitality without inflation, we have also increased public expenditures to keep abreast of the needs of a growing population and its attendant new problems, as well as our added international responsibilities. We have worked toward these ends in a context of shared responsibility--conscious of the need for maximum scope to private effort and for State and local, as well as Federal, governmental action. Success in designing and executing national purposes, domestically and abroad, can only come from a steadfast resolution that integrity in the operation of government and in our relations with each other be fully maintained. Only in this way could our spiritual goals be fully advanced. FOREIGN POLICY On January 20, 1953, when I took office, the United States was at war. Since the signing of the Korean Armistice in 1953, Americans have lived in peace in highly troubled times. During the 1956 Suez crisis, the United States government strongly supported United Nations' action--resulting in the ending of the hostilities in Egypt. Again in 1958, peace was preserved in the Middle East despite new discord. Our government responded to the request of the friendly Lebanese Government for military help, and promptly withdrew American forces as soon as the situation was stabilized. In 1958 our support of the Republic of China during the all-out bombardment of Quemoy restrained the Communist Chinese from attempting to invade the off-shore islands. Although, unhappily, Communist penetration of Cuba is real and poses a serious threat, Communist dominated regimes have been deposed in Guatemala and Iran. The occupation of Austria has ended and the Trieste question has been settled. Despite constant threats to its integrity, West Berlin has remained free. Important advances have been made in building mutual security arrangements--which lie at the heart of our hopes for future peace and security in the world. The Southeast Asia Treaty Organization has been established; the NATO alliance has been militarily strengthened; the Organization of American States has been further developed as an instrument of inter-American cooperation; the Anzus treaty has strengthened ties with Australia and New Zealand, and a mutual security treaty with Japan has been signed. In addition, the CENTO pact has been concluded, and while we are not officially a member of this alliance we have participated closely in its deliberations. The "Atoms for Peace" proposal to the United Nations led to the creation of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Our policy has been to push for enforceable programs of inspection against surprise attack, suspension of nuclear testing, arms reduction, and peaceful use of outer space. The United Nations has been vigorously supported in all of its actions, including the condemnations of the wholesale murder of the people of Tibet by the Chinese Communists and the brutal Soviet repression of the people of Hungary, as well as the more recent UN actions in the Congo. The United States took the initiative in negotiating the significant treaty to guarantee the peaceful use of vast Antarctica. The United States Information Agency has been transformed into a greatly improved medium for explaining our policies and actions to audiences overseas, answering the lies of communist propaganda, and projecting a clearer image of American life and culture. Cultural, technological and educational exchanges with the Soviet Union have been encouraged, and a comprehensive agreement was made which authorized, among other things, the distribution of our Russian language magazine Amerika and the highly successful American Exhibition in Moscow. This country has continued to withhold recognition of Communist China and to oppose vigorously the admission of this belligerent and unrepentant nation into the United Nations. Red China has yet to demonstrate that it deserves to be considered a "peace-loving" nation. With communist imperialism held in check, constructive actions were undertaken to strengthen the economies of free world nations. The United States government has given sturdy support to the economic and technical assistance activities of the UN. This country stimulated a doubling of the capital of the World Bank and a 50 percent capital increase in the International Monetary Fund. The Development Loan Fund and the International Development Association were established. The United States also took the lead in creating the Inter-American Development Bank. Vice President Nixon, Secretaries of State Dulles and Herter and I travelled extensively through the world for the purpose of strengthening the cause of peace, freedom, and international understanding. So rewarding were these visits that their very success became a significant factor in causing the Soviet Union to wreck the planned Summit Conference of 1960. These vital programs must go on. New tactics will have to be developed, of course, to meet new situations, but the underlying principles should be constant. Our great moral and material commitments to collective security, deterrence of force, international law, negotiations that lead to self-enforcing agreements, and the economic interdependence of free nations should remain the cornerstone of a foreign policy that will ultimately bring permanent peace with justice in freedom to all mankind. The continuing need of all free nations today is for each to recognize clearly the essentiality of an unbreakable bond among themselves based upon a complete dedication to the principles of collective security, effective cooperation and peace with justice. NATIONAL DEFENSE For the first time in our nation's history we have consistently maintained in peacetime, military forces of a magnitude sufficient to deter and if need be to destroy predatory forces in the world. Tremendous advances in strategic weapons systems have been made in the past eight years. Not until 1953 were expenditures on long-range ballistic missile programs even as much as a million dollars a year; today we spend ten times as much each day on these programs as was spent in all of 1952. No guided ballistic missiles were operational at the beginning of 1953. Today many types give our armed forces unprecedented effectiveness. The explosive power of our weapons systems for all purposes is almost inconceivable. Today the United States has operational ATLAS missiles which can strike a target 5000 miles away in a half-hour. The POLARIS weapons system became operational last fall and the TITAN is scheduled to become so this year. Next year, more than a year ahead of schedule, a vastly improved ICBM, the solid propellant MINUTEMAN, is expected to be ready. Squadrons of accurate Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles are now operational. The THOR and JUPITER IRBMs based in forward areas can hit targets 1500 miles away in 18 minutes. Aircraft which fly at speeds faster than sound were still in a developmental stage eight years ago. Today American fighting planes go twice the speed of sound. And either our B-58 Medium Range Jet Bomber or our B-52 Long Range Jet Bomber can carry more explosive power than was used by all combatants in World War II--Allies and Axis combined. Eight years ago we had no nuclear-powered ships. Today 49 nuclear warships have been authorized. Of these, 14 have been commissioned, including three of the revolutionary POLARIS submarines. Our nuclear submarines have cruised under the North Pole and circumnavigated the earth while submerged. Sea warfare has been revolutionized, and the United States is far and away the leader. Our tactical air units overseas and our aircraft carriers are alert; Army units, guarding the frontiers of freedom in Europe and the Far East, are in the highest state of readiness in peacetime history; our Marines, a third of whom are deployed in the Far East, are constantly prepared for action; our Reserve establishment has maintained high standards of proficiency, and the Ready Reserve now numbers over 2 ½ million citizen-soldiers. The Department of Defense, a young and still evolving organization, has twice been improved and the line of command has been shortened in order to meet the demands of modern warfare. These major reorganizations have provided a more effective structure for unified planning and direction of the vast defense establishment. Gradual improvements in its structure and procedures are to be expected. United States civil defense and nonmilitary defense capacity has been greatly strengthened and these activities have been consolidated in one Federal agency. The defense forces of our Allies now number five million men, several thousand combatant ships, and over 25,000 aircraft. Programs to strengthen these allies have been consistently supported by the Administration. U.S. military assistance goes almost exclusively to friendly nations on the rim of the communist world. This American contribution to nations who have the will to defend their freedom, but insufficient means, should be vigorously continued. Combined with our Allies, the free world now has a far stronger shield than we could provide alone. Since 1953, our defense policy has been based on the assumption that the international situation would require heavy defense expenditures for an indefinite period to come, probably for years. In this protracted struggle, good management dictates that we resist overspending as resolutely as we oppose under-spending. Every dollar uselessly spent on military mechanisms decreases our total strength and, therefore, our security. We must not return to the "crash-program" psychology of the past when each new feint by the Communists was responded to in panic. The "bomber gap" of several years ago was always a fiction, and the "missile gap" shows every sign of being the same. The nation can ill afford to abandon a national policy which provides for a fully adequate and steady level of effort, designed for the long pull; a fast adjustment to new scientific and technological advances; a balanced force of such strength as to deter general war, to effectively meet local situations and to retaliate to attack and destroy the attacker; and a strengthened system of free world collective security. THE ECONOMY The expanding American economy passed the half-trillion dollar mark in gross national product early in 1960. The Nation's output of goods and services is now nearly 25 percent higher than in 1952. In 1959, the average American family had an income of $6,520, 15 percent higher in dollars of constant buying power than in 1952, and the real wages of American factory workers have risen 20 percent during the past eight years. These facts reflect the rising standard of individual and family well-being enjoyed by Americans. Our Nation benefits also from a remarkable improvement in general industrial peace through strengthened processes of free collective bargaining. Time lost since 1952 because of strikes has been half that lost in the eight years prior to that date. Legislation now requires that union members have the opportunity for full participation in the affairs of their unions. The Administration supported the Landrum-Griffin Act, which I believe is greatly helpful to the vast bulk of American Labor and its leaders, and also is a major step in getting racketeers and gangsters out of labor-management affairs. The economic security of working men and women has been strengthened by an extension of unemployment insurance coverage to 2.5 million ex-servicemen, 2.4 million Federal employees, and 1.2 million employees of small businesses, and by a strengthening of the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act. States have been encouraged to improve their unemployment compensation benefits, so that today average weekly benefits are 40 percent higher than in 1953. Determined efforts have improved workers' safety standards. Enforceable safety standards have been established for longshoremen and ship repair workers; Federal Safety Councils have been increased from 14 to over 100; safety awards have been initiated, and a national construction safety program has been developed. A major factor in strengthening our competitive enterprise system, and promoting economic growth, has been the vigorous enforcement of antitrust laws over the last eight years and a continuing effort to reduce artificial restraints on competition and trade and enhance our economic liberties. This purpose was also significantly advanced in 1953 when, as one of the first acts of this Administration, restrictive wage and price controls were ended. An additional measure to strengthen the American system of competitive enterprise was the creation of the Small Business Administration in 1953 to assist existing small businesses and encourage new ones. This agency has approved over $1 billion in loans, initiated a new program to provide long-term capital for small businesses, aided in setting aside $3½ billion in government contracts for award to small business concerns, and brought to the attention of individual businessmen, through programs of information and education, new developments in management and production techniques. Since 1952, important tax revisions have been made to encourage small businesses. Many major improvements in the Nation's transportation system have been made: --After long years of debate, the dream of a great St. Lawrence Seaway, opening the heartland of America to ocean commerce, has been fulfilled. --The new Federal Aviation Agency is fostering greater safety in air travel. --The largest public construction program in history--the 41,000 mile national system of Interstate and Defense highways--has been pushed rapidly forward. Twenty-five percent of this system is now open to traffic. Efforts to help every American build a better life have included also a vigorous program for expanding our trade with other nations. A 4-year renewal of the Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act was passed in 1958, and a continuing and rewarding effort has been made to persuade other countries to remove restrictions against our exports. A new export expansion program was launched in 1960, inaugurating improvement of export credit insurance and broadening research and information programs to awaken Americans to business opportunities overseas. These actions and generally prosperous conditions abroad have helped push America's export trade to a level of $20 billion in 1960. Although intermittent declines in economic activity persist as a problem in our enterprise system, recent downturns have been moderate and of short duration. There is, however, little room for complacency. Currently our economy is operating at high levels, but unemployment rates are higher than any of us would like, and chronic pockets of high unemployment persist. Clearly, continued sound and broadly shared economic growth remains a major national objective toward which we must strive through joint private and public efforts. If government continues to work to assure every American the fullest opportunity to develop and utilize his ability and talent, it will be performing one of its most vital functions, that of advancing the welfare and protecting the dignity, rights, and freedom of all Americans. GOVERNMENT FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION In January 1953, the consumer's dollar was worth only 52 cents in terms of the food, clothing, shelter and other items it would buy compared to 1939. Today, the inflationary spiral which had raised the cost of living by 36 percent between 1946 and 1952 has all but ceased and the value of the dollar virtually stabilized. In 1954 we had the largest tax cut in history, amounting to $7.4 billion annually, of which over 62 percent went to individuals mostly in the small income brackets. This Administration has directed constant efforts toward fiscal responsibility. Balanced budgets have been sought when the economy was advancing, and a rigorous evaluation of spending programs has been maintained at all times. Resort to deficit financing in prosperous times could easily erode international confidence in the dollar and contribute to inflation at home. In this belief, I shall submit a balanced budget for fiscal 1962 to the Congress next week. There has been a firm policy of reducing government competition with private enterprise. This has resulted in the discontinuance of some 2,000 commercial industrial installations and in addition the curtailment of approximately 550 industrial installations operated directly by government agencies. Also an aggressive surplus disposal program has been carried on to Identify and dispose of unneeded government-owned real property. This has resulted in the addition of a substantial number of valuable properties to local tax rolls, and a significant monetary return to the government. Earnest and persistent attempts have been made to strengthen the position of State and local governments and thereby to stop the dangerous drift toward centralization of governmental power in Washington. Significant strides have been made in increasing the effectiveness of government. Important new agencies have been established, such as the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, the Federal Aviation Agency, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The Council of Economic Advisers was reconstituted. The operation of our postal system has been modernized to get better and more efficient service. Modernized handling of local mail now brings next-day delivery to 168 million people in our population centers, expanded carrier service now accommodates 9.3 million families in the growing suburbs, and 1.4 million families have been added to the rural delivery service. Common sense dictates that the Postal Service should be on a self-financing basis. The concept of a trained and dedicated government career service has been strengthened by the provision of life and health insurance benefits, a vastly improved retirement system, a new merit promotion program, and the first effective incentive awards program. With no sacrifice in efficiency, Federal civilian employment since 1953 has been reduced by over a quarter of a million persons. I am deeply gratified that it was under the urging of this Administration that Alaska and Hawaii became our 49th and 50th States. AGRICULTURE Despite the difficulties of administering Congressional programs which apply outmoded prescriptions and which aggravate rather than solve problems, the past eight years brought notable advances in agriculture. Total agricultural assets are approximately $200 billion--up $36 billion in eight years. Farm owner equities are at the near record high of $174 billion. Farm ownership is at a record high with fewer farmers in a tenant and sharecropper status than at any time in our nation's history. The "Food-for-Peace" program has demonstrated how surplus of American food and fiber can be effectively used to feed and clothe the needy abroad. Aided by this humanitarian program, total agricultural exports have grown from $2.8 billion in 1953 to an average of about 
$4 billion annually for the past three years. For 1960, exports are estimated at $4.5 billion, the highest volume on record. Under the Food-for-Peace program, the largest wheat transaction in history was consummated with India in 1960. The problems of low-income farm families received systematic attention for the first time in the Rural Development Program. This program has gone forward in 39 States, yielding higher incomes and a better living for rural people most in need. The Rural Electrification Administration has helped meet the growing demand for power and telephones in agricultural areas. Ninety-seven percent of all farms now have central station electric power. Dependence upon Federal financing should no longer be necessary. The Farm Credit Administration has been made an independent agency more responsive to the farmer's needs. The search for new uses for our farm abundance and to develop new crops for current needs has made major progress. Agricultural research appropriations have increased by 171 percent since 1953. Farmers are being saved approximately $80 million a year by the repeal in 1956 of Federal taxes on gasoline used in tractors and other machinery. Since 1953, appropriations have been doubled for county agents, home agents and the Extension Service. Eligibility for Social Security benefits has been extended to farmers and their families. Yet in certain aspects our agricultural surplus situation is increasingly grave. For example, our wheat stocks now total 1.3 billion bushels. If we did not harvest one bushel of wheat in this coming year, we would still have all we could eat, all we could sell abroad, all we could give away, and still have a substantial carryover. Extraordinary costs are involved just in management and disposal of this burdensome surplus. Obviously important adjustments must still come. Congress must enact additional legislation to permit wheat and other farm commodities to move into regular marketing channels in an orderly manner and at the same time afford the needed price protection to the farmer. Only then will agriculture again be free, sound, and profitable. NATURAL RESOURCES New emphasis has been placed on the care of our national parks. A ten year development program of our National Park System--Mission 66--was initiated and 633,000 acres of park land have been added since 1953. Appropriations for fish and wildlife operations have more than doubled. Thirty-five new refuges, containing 11,342,000 acres, have been added to the national wildlife management system. Our Nation's forests have been improved at the most rapid rate in history. The largest sustained effort in water resources development in our history has taken place. In the field of reclamation alone, over 50 new projects, or project units, have been authorized since 1953--including the billion dollar Colorado River Storage Project. When all these projects have been completed they will have a storage capacity of nearly 43 million acre-feet--an increase of 50 percent over the Bureau of Reclamation's storage capacity in mid-1953. In addition, since 1953 over 450 new navigation flood control and multiple purpose projects of the Corps of Engineers have been started, costing nearly 6 billion dollars. Soil and water conservation has been advanced as never before. One hundred forty-one projects are now being constructed under the Watershed Protection Program. Hydroelectric power has been impressively developed through a policy which recognizes that the job to be done requires comprehensive development by Federal, State, and local governments and private enterprise. Teamwork is essential to achieve this objective. The Federal Columbia River power system has grown from two multipurpose dams with a 2.6 million kilowatt capacity to 17 multipurpose projects completed or under construction with an ultimate installed capacity of 8.1 million kilowatts. After years of negotiation, a Columbia River Storage Development agreement with Canada now opens the way for early realization of unparalleled power, flood control and resource conservation benefits for the Pacific Northwest. A treaty implementing this agreement will shortly be submitted to the Senate. A farsighted and highly successful program for meeting urgent water needs is being carded out by converting salt water to fresh water. A 75 percent reduction in the cost of this process has already been realized. Continuous resource development is essential for our expanding economy. We must continue vigorous, combined Federal, State and private programs, at the same time preserving to the maximum extent possible our natural and scenic heritage for future generations. EDUCATION, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY The National Defense Education Act of 1958 is already a milestone in the history of American education. It provides broad opportunities for the intellectual development of all children by strengthening courses of study in science, mathematics, and foreign languages, by developing new graduate programs to train additional teachers, and by providing loans for young people who need financial help to go to college. The Administration proposed on numerous occasions a broad new five-year program of Federal aid to help overcome the classroom shortage in public elementary and secondary schools. Recommendations were also made to give assistance to colleges and universities for the construction of academic and residential buildings to meet future enrollment increases. This Administration greatly expanded Federal loans for building dormitories for students, teachers, and nurses training, a program assisting in the construction of approximately 200,000 living accommodations during the past 8 years. There has been a vigorous acceleration of health, resource and education programs designed to advance the role of the American Indian in our society. Last fall, for example, 91 percent of the Indian children between the ages of 6 and 18 on reservations were enrolled in school. This is a rise of 12 percent since 1953. In the field of science and technology, startling strides have been made by the new National Aeronautics and Space Administration. In little more than two years, NASA has successfully launched meteorological satellites, such as Tiros I and Tiros II, that promise to revolutionize methods of weather forecasting; demonstrated the feasibility of satellites for global communications by the successful launching of Echo I; produced an enormous amount of valuable scientific data, such as the discovery of the Van Allen Radiation Belt; successfully launched deep-space probes that maintained communication over the greatest range man has ever tracked; and made real progress toward the goal of manned space flights. These achievements unquestionably make us preeminent today in space exploration for the betterment of mankind. I believe the present organizational arrangements in this area, with the revisions proposed last year, are completely adequate for the tasks ahead. Americans can look forward to new achievements in space exploration. The near future will hold such wonders as the orbital flight of an astronaut, the landing of instruments on the moon, the launching of the powerful giant Saturn rocket vehicles, and the reconnaissance of Mars and Venus by unmanned vehicles. The application of atomic energy to industry, agriculture, and medicine has progressed from hope and experiment to reality. American industry and agriculture are making increasing use of radioisotopes to improve manufacturing, testing, and crop-raising. Atomic energy has improved the ability of the healing professions to combat disease, and holds promise for an eventual increase in man's life span. Education, science, technology and balanced programs of every kind-these are the roadways to progress. With appropriate Federal support, the States and localities can assure opportunities for achieving excellence at all levels of the educational system; and with the Federal government continuing to give wholehearted support to basic scientific research and technology, we can expect to maintain our position of leadership in the world. CIVIL RIGHTS The first consequential Federal Civil Rights legislation in 85 years was enacted by Congress on recommendation of the Administration in 1957 and 1960. A new Civil Rights Division in the Department of Justice has already moved to enforce constitutional rights in such areas as voting and the elimination of Jim Crow laws. Greater equality of job opportunity in Federal employment and employment with Federal contractors has been effectively provided through the President's Committees on Government Contracts and Government Employment Practices. The Civil Rights Commission has undertaken important surveys in the fields of housing, voting, and education. Segregation has been abolished in the Armed Forces, in Veterans' Hospitals, in all Federal employment, and throughout the District of Columbia--administratively accomplished progress in this field that is unmatched in America's recent history. This pioneering work in civil rights must go on. Not only because discrimination is morally wrong, but also because its impact is more than national--it is world-wide. HEALTH AND WELFARE Federal medical research expenditures have increased more than fourfold since 1954. A vast variety of the approaches known to medical science has been explored to find better methods of treatment and prevention of major diseases, particularly heart diseases, cancer, and mental illness. The control of air and water pollution has been greatly strengthened. Americans now have greater protection against harmful, unclean, or misrepresented foods, drugs, or cosmetics through a strengthened Food and Drug Administration and by new legislation which requires that food additives be proved safe for human consumption before use. A newly established Federal Radiation Council, along with the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, analyzes and coordinates information regarding radiological activities which affect the public health. Medical manpower has been increased by Federal grants for teaching and research. Construction of new medical facilities has been stepped up and extended to include nursing homes, diagnostic and treatment centers, and rehabilitation facilities. The vocational rehabilitation program has been significantly expanded. About 90,000 handicapped people are now being rehabilitated annually so they are again able to earn their own living with self-respect and dignity. New legislation provides for better medical care for the needy aged, including those older persons, who, while otherwise self-sufficient, need help in meeting their health care costs. The Administration recommended a major expansion of this effort. The coverage of the Social Security Act has been broadened since 1953 to make 11 million additional people eligible for retirement, disability or survivor benefits for themselves or their dependents, and the Social Security benefits have been substantially improved. Grants to the States for maternal and child welfare services have been increased. The States, aided by Federal grants, now assist some 6 million needy people through the programs of Old Age Assistance, Aid to Dependent Children, Aid to the Blind, and Aid to the Totally and Permanently Disabled. HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT More houses have been built during the past eight years--over nine million--than during any previous eight years in history. An historic new approach--Urban Renewal--now replaces piecemeal thrusts at slum pockets and urban blight. Communities engaged in urban renewal have doubled and renewal projects have more than tripled since 1953. An estimated 68 projects in 50 cities will be completed by the end of the current fiscal year; another 577 projects will be underway, and planning for 310 more will be in process. A total of $2 billion in Federal grants will ultimately be required to finance these 955 projects. New programs have been initiated to provide more and better housing for elderly people. Approximately 25,000 units especially designed for the elderly have been built, started, or approved in the past three years. For the first time, because of Federal help and .encouragement, 90 metropolitan areas and urban regions and 1140 smaller towns throughout the country are making comprehensive development plans for their future growth and development. American communities have been helped to plan water and sanitation systems and schools through planning advances for 1600 public works projects with a construction cost of nearly $2 billion. Mortgage insurance on individual homes has been greatly expanded. During the past eight years, the Federal Housing Administration alone insured over 2½ million home mortgages valued at $27 billion, and in addition, insured more than ten million property improvement loans. The Federal government must continue to provide leadership in order to make our cities and communities better places in which to live, work, and raise families, but without usurping rightful local authority, replacing individual responsibility, or stifling private initiative. IMMIGRATION Over 32,000 victims of Communist tyranny in Hungary were brought to our shores, and at this time our country is working to assist refugees from tyranny in Cuba. Since 1953, the waiting period for naturalization applicants has been reduced from 18 months to 45 days. The Administration also has made legislative recommendations to liberalize existing restrictions upon immigration while still safeguarding the national interest. It is imperative that our immigration policy be in the finest American tradition of providing a haven for oppressed peoples and fully in accord with our obligation as a leader of the free world. VETERANS In discharging the nation's obligation to our veterans, during the past eight years there have been: The readjustment of World War II veterans was completed, and the five million Korean conflict veterans were assisted in achieving successful readjustment to civilian life; Increases in compensation benefits for all eligible veterans with service connected disabilities; Higher non-service connected pension benefits for needy veterans; Greatly improved benefits to survivors of veterans dying in or as a result of service; Authorization, by Presidential directive, of an increase in the number of beds available for sick and disabled veterans; Development of a 12-year, $900 million construction program to modernize and improve our veterans hospitals; New modern techniques brought into the administration of Veterans Affairs to provide the highest quality service possible to those who have defended us. CONCLUSION In concluding my final message to the Congress, it is fitting to look back to my first--to the aims and ideals I set forth on February 2, 1953: To use America's influence in world affairs to advance the cause of peace and justice, to conduct the affairs of the Executive Branch with integrity and efficiency, to encourage creative initiative in our economy, and to work toward the attainment of the well-being and equality of opportunity of all citizens. Equally, we have honored our commitment to pursue and attain specific objectives. Among them, as stated eight years ago: strengthening of the mutual security program; development of world trade and commerce; ending of hostilities in Korea; creation of a powerful deterrent force; practicing fiscal responsibility; checking the menace of inflation; reducing the tax burden; providing an effective internal security program; developing and conserving our natural resources; reducing governmental interference in the affairs of the farmer; strengthening and improving services by the Department of Labor, and the vigilant guarding of civil and social fights. I do not close this message implying that all is well--that all problems are solved. For progress implies both new and continuing problems and, unlike Presidential administrations, problems rarely have terminal dates. Abroad, there is the continuing Communist threat to the freedom of Berlin, an explosive situation in Laos, the problems caused by Communist penetration of Cuba, as well as the many problems connected with the development of the new nations in Africa. These areas, in particular, call for delicate handling and constant review. At home, several conspicuous problems remain: promoting higher levels of employment, with special emphasis on areas in which heavy unemployment has persisted; continuing to provide for steady economic growth and preserving a sound currency; bringing our balance of payments into more reasonable equilibrium and continuing a high level of confidence in our national and international systems; eliminating heavily excessive surpluses of a few farm commodities; and overcoming deficiencies in our health and educational programs. Our goal always has been to add to the spiritual, moral, and material strength of our nation. I believe we have done this. But it is a process that must never end. Let us pray that leaders of both the near and distant future will be able to keep the nation strong and at peace, that they will advance the well-being of all our people, that they will lead us on to still higher moral standards, and that, in achieving these goals, they will maintain a reasonable balance between private and governmental responsibility. DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER
To the Congress of the United States: Once again it is my Constitutional duty to assess the state of the Union. On each such previous occasion during these past eight years I have outlined a forward course designed to achieve our mutual objective--a better America in a world of peace. This time my function is different. The American people, in free election, have selected new leadership which soon will be entrusted with the management of our government. A new President shortly will lay before you his proposals to shape the future of our great land. To him, every citizen, whatever his political beliefs, prayerfully extends best wishes for good health and for wisdom and success in coping with the problems that confront our Nation. For my part, I should like, first, to express to you of the Congress, my appreciation of your devotion to the common good and your friendship over these difficult years. I will carry with me pleasant memories of this association in endeavors profoundly significant to all our people. We have been through a lengthy period in which the control over the executive and legislative branches of government has been divided between our two great political parties. Differences, of course, we have had, particularly in domestic affairs. But in a united determination to keep this Nation strong and free and to utilize our vast resources for the advancement of all mankind, we have carried America to unprecedented heights. For this cooperative achievement I thank the American people and those in the Congress of both parties who have supported programs in the interest of our country. I should also like to give special thanks for the devoted service of my associates in the Executive Branch and the hundreds of thousands of career employees who have implemented our diverse government programs. My second purpose is to review briefly the record of these past eight years in the hope that, out of the sum of these experiences, lessons will emerge that are useful to our Nation. Supporting this review are detailed reports from the several agencies and departments, all of which are now or will shortly be available to the Congress. Throughout the world the years since 1953 have been a period of profound change. The human problems in the world grow more acute hour by hour; yet new gains in science and technology continually extend the promise of a better life. People yearn to be free, to govern themselves; yet a third of the people of the world have no freedom, do not govern themselves. The world recognizes the catastrophic nature of nuclear war; yet it sees the wondrous potential of nuclear peace. During the period, the United States has forged ahead under a constructive foreign policy. The continuing goal is peace, liberty, and well-being--for others as well as ourselves. The aspirations of all peoples are one--peace with justice in freedom. Peace can only be attained collectively as peoples everywhere unite in their determination that liberty and well-being come to all mankind. Yet while we have worked to advance national aspirations for freedom, a divisive force has been at work to divert that aspiration into dangerous channels. The Communist movement throughout the world exploits the natural striving of all to be free and attempts to subjugate men rather than free them. These activities have caused and are continuing to because grave troubles in the world. Here at home these have been times for careful adjustment of our economy from the artificial impetus of a hot war to constructive growth in a precarious peace. While building a new economic vitality without inflation, we have also increased public expenditures to keep abreast of the needs of a growing population and its attendant new problems, as well as our added international responsibilities. We have worked toward these ends in a context of shared responsibility--conscious of the need for maximum scope to private effort and for State and local, as well as Federal, governmental action. Success in designing and executing national purposes, domestically and abroad, can only come from a steadfast resolution that integrity in the operation of government and in our relations with each other be fully maintained. Only in this way could our spiritual goals be fully advanced. FOREIGN POLICY On January 20, 1953, when I took office, the United States was at war. Since the signing of the Korean Armistice in 1953, Americans have lived in peace in highly troubled times. During the 1956 Suez crisis, the United States government strongly supported United Nations' action--resulting in the ending of the hostilities in Egypt. Again in 1958, peace was preserved in the Middle East despite new discord. Our government responded to the request of the friendly Lebanese Government for military help, and promptly withdrew American forces as soon as the situation was stabilized. In 1958 our support of the Republic of China during the all-out bombardment of Quemoy restrained the Communist Chinese from attempting to invade the off-shore islands. Although, unhappily, Communist penetration of Cuba is real and poses a serious threat, Communist dominated regimes have been deposed in Guatemala and Iran. The occupation of Austria has ended and the Trieste question has been settled. Despite constant threats to its integrity, West Berlin has remained free. Important advances have been made in building mutual security arrangements--which lie at the heart of our hopes for future peace and security in the world. The Southeast Asia Treaty Organization has been established; the NATO alliance has been militarily strengthened; the Organization of American States has been further developed as an instrument of inter-American cooperation; the Anzus treaty has strengthened ties with Australia and New Zealand, and a mutual security treaty with Japan has been signed. In addition, the CENTO pact has been concluded, and while we are not officially a member of this alliance we have participated closely in its deliberations. The "Atoms for Peace" proposal to the United Nations led to the creation of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Our policy has been to push for enforceable programs of inspection against surprise attack, suspension of nuclear testing, arms reduction, and peaceful use of outer space. The United Nations has been vigorously supported in all of its actions, including the condemnations of the wholesale murder of the people of Tibet by the Chinese Communists and the brutal Soviet repression of the people of Hungary, as well as the more recent UN actions in the Congo. The United States took the initiative in negotiating the significant treaty to guarantee the peaceful use of vast Antarctica. The United States Information Agency has been transformed into a greatly improved medium for explaining our policies and actions to audiences overseas, answering the lies of communist propaganda, and projecting a clearer image of American life and culture. Cultural, technological and educational exchanges with the Soviet Union have been encouraged, and a comprehensive agreement was made which authorized, among other things, the distribution of our Russian language magazine Amerika and the highly successful American Exhibition in Moscow. This country has continued to withhold recognition of Communist China and to oppose vigorously the admission of this belligerent and unrepentant nation into the United Nations. Red China has yet to demonstrate that it deserves to be considered a "peace-loving" nation. With communist imperialism held in check, constructive actions were undertaken to strengthen the economies of free world nations. The United States government has given sturdy support to the economic and technical assistance activities of the UN. This country stimulated a doubling of the capital of the World Bank and a 50 percent capital increase in the International Monetary Fund. The Development Loan Fund and the International Development Association were established. The United States also took the lead in creating the Inter-American Development Bank. Vice President Nixon, Secretaries of State Dulles and Herter and I travelled extensively through the world for the purpose of strengthening the because of peace, freedom, and international understanding. So rewarding were these visits that their very success became a significant factor in causing the Soviet Union to wreck the planned Summit Conference of 1960. These vital programs must go on. New tactics will have to be developed, of course, to meet new situations, but the underlying principles should be constant. Our great moral and material commitments to collective security, deterrence of force, international law, negotiations that lead to self-enforcing agreements, and the economic interdependence of free nations should remain the cornerstone of a foreign policy that will ultimately bring permanent peace with justice in freedom to all mankind. The continuing need of all free nations today is for each to recognize clearly the essentiality of an unbreakable bond among themselves based upon a complete dedication to the principles of collective security, effective cooperation and peace with justice. NATIONAL DEFENSE For the first time in our nation's history we have consistently maintained in peacetime, military forces of a magnitude sufficient to deter and if need be to destroy predatory forces in the world. Tremendous advances in strategic weapons systems have been made in the past eight years. Not until 1953 were expenditures on long-range ballistic missile programs even as much as a million dollars a year; today we spend ten times as much each day on these programs as was spent in all of 1952. No guided ballistic missiles were operational at the beginning of 1953. Today many types give our armed forces unprecedented effectiveness. The explosive power of our weapons systems for all purposes is almost inconceivable. Today the United States has operational ATLAS missiles which can strike a target 5000 miles away in a half-hour. The POLARIS weapons system became operational last fall and the TITAN is scheduled to become so this year. Next year, more than a year ahead of schedule, a vastly improved ICBM, the solid propellant MINUTEMAN, is expected to be ready. Squadrons of accurate Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles are now operational. The THOR and JUPITER IRBMs based in forward areas can hit targets 1500 miles away in 18 minutes. Aircraft which fly at speeds faster than sound were still in a developmental stage eight years ago. Today American fighting planes go twice the speed of sound. And either our B-58 Medium Range Jet Bomber or our B-52 Long Range Jet Bomber can carry more explosive power than was used by all combatants in World War II--Allies and Axis combined. Eight years ago we had no nuclear-powered ships. Today 49 nuclear warships have been authorized. Of these, 14 have been commissioned, including three of the revolutionary POLARIS submarines. Our nuclear submarines have cruised under the North Pole and circumnavigated the earth while submerged. Sea warfare has been revolutionized, and the United States is far and away the leader. Our tactical air units overseas and our aircraft carriers are alert; Army units, guarding the frontiers of freedom in Europe and the Far East, are in the highest state of readiness in peacetime history; our Marines, a third of whom are deployed in the Far East, are constantly prepared for action; our Reserve establishment has maintained high standards of proficiency, and the Ready Reserve now numbers over 2 ½ million citizen-soldiers. The Department of Defense, a young and still evolving organization, has twice been improved and the line of command has been shortened in order to meet the demands of modern warfare. These major reorganizations have provided a more effective structure for unified planning and direction of the vast defense establishment. Gradual improvements in its structure and procedures are to be expected. United States civil defense and nonmilitary defense capacity has been greatly strengthened and these activities have been consolidated in one Federal agency. The defense forces of our Allies now number five million men, several thousand combatant ships, and over 25,000 aircraft. Programs to strengthen these allies have been consistently supported by the Administration. YOU.S. military assistance goes almost exclusively to friendly nations on the rim of the communist world. This American contribution to nations who have the will to defend their freedom, but insufficient means, should be vigorously continued. Combined with our Allies, the free world now has a far stronger shield than we could provide alone. Since 1953, our defense policy has been based on the assumption that the international situation would require heavy defense expenditures for an indefinite period to come, probably for years. In this protracted struggle, good management dictates that we resist overspending as resolutely as we oppose under-spending. Every dollar uselessly spent on military mechanisms decreases our total strength and, therefore, our security. We must not return to the "crash-program" psychology of the past when each new feint by the Communists was responded to in panic. The "bomber gap" of several years ago was always a fiction, and the "missile gap" shows every sign of being the same. The nation can ill afford to abandon a national policy which provides for a fully adequate and steady level of effort, designed for the long pull; a fast adjustment to new scientific and technological advances; a balanced force of such strength as to deter general war, to effectively meet local situations and to retaliate to attack and destroy the attacker; and a strengthened system of free world collective security. THE ECONOMY The expanding American economy passed the half-trillion dollar mark in gross national product early in 1960. The Nation's output of goods and services is now nearly 25 percent higher than in 1952. In 1959, the average American family had an income of $6,520, 15 percent higher in dollars of constant buying power than in 1952, and the real wages of American factory workers have risen 20 percent during the past eight years. These facts reflect the rising standard of individual and family well-being enjoyed by Americans. Our Nation benefits also from a remarkable improvement in general industrial peace through strengthened processes of free collective bargaining. Time lost since 1952 because of strikes has been half that lost in the eight years prior to that date. Legislation now requires that union members have the opportunity for full participation in the affairs of their unions. The Administration supported the Landrum-Griffin Act, which I believe is greatly helpful to the vast bulk of American Labor and its leaders, and also is a major step in getting racketeers and gangsters out of labor-management affairs. The economic security of working men and women has been strengthened by an extension of unemployment insurance coverage to 2.5 million ex-servicemen, 2.4 million Federal employees, and 1.2 million employees of small businesses, and by a strengthening of the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act. States have been encouraged to improve their unemployment compensation benefits, so that today average weekly benefits are 40 percent higher than in 1953. Determined efforts have improved workers' safety standards. Enforceable safety standards have been established for longshoremen and ship repair workers; Federal Safety Councils have been increased from 14 to over 100; safety awards have been initiated, and a national construction safety program has been developed. A major factor in strengthening our competitive enterprise system, and promoting economic growth, has been the vigorous enforcement of antitrust laws over the last eight years and a continuing effort to reduce artificial restraints on competition and trade and enhance our economic liberties. This purpose was also significantly advanced in 1953 when, as one of the first acts of this Administration, restrictive wage and price controls were ended. An additional measure to strengthen the American system of competitive enterprise was the creation of the Small Business Administration in 1953 to assist existing small businesses and encourage new ones. This agency has approved over $1 billion in loans, initiated a new program to provide long-term capital for small businesses, aided in setting aside $3½ billion in government contracts for award to small business concerns, and brought to the attention of individual businessmen, through programs of information and education, new developments in management and production techniques. Since 1952, important tax revisions have been made to encourage small businesses. Many major improvements in the Nation's transportation system have been made: --After long years of debate, the dream of a great St. Lawrence Seaway, opening the heartland of America to ocean commerce, has been fulfilled. --The new Federal Aviation Agency is fostering greater safety in air travel. --The largest public construction program in history--the 41,000 mile national system of Interstate and Defense highways--has been pushed rapidly forward. Twenty-five percent of this system is now open to traffic. Efforts to help every American build a better life have included also a vigorous program for expanding our trade with other nations. A 4-year renewal of the Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act was passed in 1958, and a continuing and rewarding effort has been made to persuade other countries to remove restrictions against our exports. A new export expansion program was launched in 1960, inaugurating improvement of export credit insurance and broadening research and information programs to awaken Americans to business opportunities overseas. These actions and generally prosperous conditions abroad have helped push America's export trade to a level of $20 billion in 1960. Although intermittent declines in economic activity persist as a problem in our enterprise system, recent downturns have been moderate and of short duration. There is, however, little room for complacency. Currently our economy is operating at high levels, but unemployment rates are higher than any of us would like, and chronic pockets of high unemployment persist. Clearly, continued sound and broadly shared economic growth remains a major national objective toward which we must strive through joint private and public efforts. If government continues to work to assure every American the fullest opportunity to develop and utilize his ability and talent, it will be performing one of its most vital functions, that of advancing the welfare and protecting the dignity, rights, and freedom of all Americans. GOVERNMENT FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION In January 1953, the consumer's dollar was worth only 52 cents in terms of the food, clothing, shelter and other items it would buy compared to 1939. Today, the inflationary spiral which had raised the cost of living by 36 percent between 1946 and 1952 has all but ceased and the value of the dollar virtually stabilized. In 1954 we had the largest tax cut in history, amounting to $7.4 billion annually, of which over 62 percent went to individuals mostly in the small income brackets. This Administration has directed constant efforts toward fiscal responsibility. Balanced budgets have been sought when the economy was advancing, and a rigorous evaluation of spending programs has been maintained at all times. Resort to deficit financing in prosperous times could easily erode international confidence in the dollar and contribute to inflation at home. In this belief, I shall submit a balanced budget for fiscal 1962 to the Congress next week. There has been a firm policy of reducing government competition with private enterprise. This has resulted in the discontinuance of some 2,000 commercial industrial installations and in addition the curtailment of approximately 550 industrial installations operated directly by government agencies. Also an aggressive surplus disposal program has been carried on to Identify and dispose of unneeded government-owned real property. This has resulted in the addition of a substantial number of valuable properties to local tax rolls, and a significant monetary return to the government. Earnest and persistent attempts have been made to strengthen the position of State and local governments and thereby to stop the dangerous drift toward centralization of governmental power in Washington. Significant strides have been made in increasing the effectiveness of government. Important new agencies have been established, such as the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, the Federal Aviation Agency, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The Council of Economic Advisers was reconstituted. The operation of our postal system has been modernized to get better and more efficient service. Modernized handling of local mail now brings next-day delivery to 168 million people in our population centers, expanded carrier service now accommodates 9.3 million families in the growing suburbs, and 1.4 million families have been added to the rural delivery service. Common sense dictates that the Postal Service should be on a self-financing basis. The concept of a trained and dedicated government career service has been strengthened by the provision of life and health insurance benefits, a vastly improved retirement system, a new merit promotion program, and the first effective incentive awards program. With no sacrifice in efficiency, Federal civilian employment since 1953 has been reduced by over a quarter of a million persons. I am deeply gratified that it was under the urging of this Administration that Alaska and Hawaii became our 49th and 50th States. AGRICULTURE Despite the difficulties of administering Congressional programs which apply outmoded prescriptions and which aggravate rather than solve problems, the past eight years brought notable advances in agriculture. Total agricultural assets are approximately $200 billion--up $36 billion in eight years. Farm owner equities are at the near record high of $174 billion. Farm ownership is at a record high with fewer farmers in a tenant and sharecropper status than at any time in our nation's history. The "Food-for-Peace" program has demonstrated how surplus of American food and fiber can be effectively used to feed and clothe the needy abroad. Aided by this humanitarian program, total agricultural exports have grown from $2.8 billion in 1953 to an average of about $4 billion annually for the past three years. For 1960, exports are estimated at $4.5 billion, the highest volume on record. Under the Food-for-Peace program, the largest wheat transaction in history was consummated with India in 1960. The problems of low-income farm families received systematic attention for the first time in the Rural Development Program. This program has gone forward in 39 States, yielding higher incomes and a better living for rural people most in need. The Rural Electrification Administration has helped meet the growing demand for power and telephones in agricultural areas. Ninety-seven percent of all farms now have central station electric power. Dependence upon Federal financing should no longer be necessary. The Farm Credit Administration has been made an independent agency more responsive to the farmer's needs. The search for new uses for our farm abundance and to develop new crops for current needs has made major progress. Agricultural research appropriations have increased by 171 percent since 1953. Farmers are being saved approximately $80 million a year by the repeal in 1956 of Federal taxes on gasoline used in tractors and other machinery. Since 1953, appropriations have been doubled for county agents, home agents and the Extension Service. Eligibility for Social Security benefits has been extended to farmers and their families. Yet in certain aspects our agricultural surplus situation is increasingly grave. For example, our wheat stocks now total 1.3 billion bushels. If we did not harvest one bushel of wheat in this coming year, we would still have all we could eat, all we could sell abroad, all we could give away, and still have a substantial carryover. Extraordinary costs are involved just in management and disposal of this burdensome surplus. Obviously important adjustments must still come. Congress must enact additional legislation to permit wheat and other farm commodities to move into regular marketing channels in an orderly manner and at the same time afford the needed price protection to the farmer. Only then will agriculture again be free, sound, and profitable. NATURAL RESOURCES New emphasis has been placed on the care of our national parks. A ten year development program of our National Park System--Mission 66--was initiated and 633,000 acres of park land have been added since 1953. Appropriations for fish and wildlife operations have more than doubled. Thirty-five new refuges, containing 11,342,000 acres, have been added to the national wildlife management system. Our Nation's forests have been improved at the most rapid rate in history. The largest sustained effort in water resources development in our history has taken place. In the field of reclamation alone, over 50 new projects, or project units, have been authorized since 1953--including the billion dollar Colorado River Storage Project. When all these projects have been completed they will have a storage capacity of nearly 43 million acre-feet--an increase of 50 percent over the Bureau of Reclamation's storage capacity in mid-1953. In addition, since 1953 over 450 new navigation flood control and multiple purpose projects of the Corps of Engineers have been started, costing nearly 6 billion dollars. Soil and water conservation has been advanced as never before. One hundred forty-one projects are now being constructed under the Watershed Protection Program. Hydroelectric power has been impressively developed through a policy which recognizes that the job to be done requires comprehensive development by Federal, State, and local governments and private enterprise. Teamwork is essential to achieve this objective. The Federal Columbia River power system has grown from two multipurpose dams with a 2.6 million kilowatt capacity to 17 multipurpose projects completed or under construction with an ultimate installed capacity of 8.1 million kilowatts. After years of negotiation, a Columbia River Storage Development agreement with Canada now opens the way for early realization of unparalleled power, flood control and resource conservation benefits for the Pacific Northwest. A treaty implementing this agreement will shortly be submitted to the Senate. A farsighted and highly successful program for meeting urgent water needs is being carded out by converting salt water to fresh water. A 75 percent reduction in the cost of this process has already been realized. Continuous resource development is essential for our expanding economy. We must continue vigorous, combined Federal, State and private programs, at the same time preserving to the maximum extent possible our natural and scenic heritage for future generations. EDUCATION, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY The National Defense Education Act of 1958 is already a milestone in the history of American education. It provides broad opportunities for the intellectual development of all children by strengthening courses of study in science, mathematics, and foreign languages, by developing new graduate programs to train additional teachers, and by providing loans for young people who need financial help to go to college. The Administration proposed on numerous occasions a broad new five-year program of Federal aid to help overcome the classroom shortage in public elementary and secondary schools. Recommendations were also made to give assistance to colleges and universities for the construction of academic and residential buildings to meet future enrollment increases. This Administration greatly expanded Federal loans for building dormitories for students, teachers, and nurses training, a program assisting in the construction of approximately 200,000 living accommodations during the past 8 years. There has been a vigorous acceleration of health, resource and education programs designed to advance the role of the American Indian in our society. Last fall, for example, 91 percent of the Indian children between the ages of 6 and 18 on reservations were enrolled in school. This is a rise of 12 percent since 1953. In the field of science and technology, startling strides have been made by the new National Aeronautics and Space Administration. In little more than two years, NASA has successfully launched meteorological satellites, such as Tiros I and Tiros II, that promise to revolutionize methods of weather forecasting; demonstrated the feasibility of satellites for global communications by the successful launching of Echo I; produced an enormous amount of valuable scientific data, such as the discovery of the Van Allen Radiation Belt; successfully launched deep-space probes that maintained communication over the greatest range man has ever tracked; and made real progress toward the goal of manned space flights. These achievements unquestionably make us preeminent today in space exploration for the betterment of mankind. I believe the present organizational arrangements in this area, with the revisions proposed last year, are completely adequate for the tasks ahead. Americans can look forward to new achievements in space exploration. The near future will hold such wonders as the orbital flight of an astronaut, the landing of instruments on the moon, the launching of the powerful giant Saturn rocket vehicles, and the reconnaissance of Mars and Venus by unmanned vehicles. The application of atomic energy to industry, agriculture, and medicine has progressed from hope and experiment to reality. American industry and agriculture are making increasing use of radioisotopes to improve manufacturing, testing, and crop-raising. Atomic energy has improved the ability of the healing professions to combat disease, and holds promise for an eventual increase in man's life span. Education, science, technology and balanced programs of every kind-these are the roadways to progress. With appropriate Federal support, the States and localities can assure opportunities for achieving excellence at all levels of the educational system; and with the Federal government continuing to give wholehearted support to basic scientific research and technology, we can expect to maintain our position of leadership in the world. CIVIL RIGHTS The first consequential Federal Civil Rights legislation in 85 years was enacted by Congress on recommendation of the Administration in 1957 and 1960. A new Civil Rights Division in the Department of Justice has already moved to enforce constitutional rights in such areas as voting and the elimination of Jim Crow laws. Greater equality of job opportunity in Federal employment and employment with Federal contractors has been effectively provided through the President's Committees on Government Contracts and Government Employment Practices. The Civil Rights Commission has undertaken important surveys in the fields of housing, voting, and education. Segregation has been abolished in the Armed Forces, in Veterans' Hospitals, in all Federal employment, and throughout the District of Columbia--administratively accomplished progress in this field that is unmatched in America's recent history. This pioneering work in civil rights must go on. Not only because discrimination is morally wrong, but also because its impact is more than national--it is world-wide. HEALTH AND WELFARE Federal medical research expenditures have increased more than fourfold since 1954. A vast variety of the approaches known to medical science has been explored to find better methods of treatment and prevention of major diseases, particularly heart diseases, cancer, and mental illness. The control of air and water pollution has been greatly strengthened. Americans now have greater protection against harmful, unclean, or misrepresented foods, drugs, or cosmetics through a strengthened Food and Drug Administration and by new legislation which requires that food additives be proved safe for human consumption before use. A newly established Federal Radiation Council, along with the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, analyzes and coordinates information regarding radiological activities which affect the public health. Medical manpower has been increased by Federal grants for teaching and research. Construction of new medical facilities has been stepped up and extended to include nursing homes, diagnostic and treatment centers, and rehabilitation facilities. The vocational rehabilitation program has been significantly expanded. About 90,000 handicapped people are now being rehabilitated annually so they are again able to earn their own living with self-respect and dignity. New legislation provides for better medical care for the needy aged, including those older persons, who, while otherwise self-sufficient, need help in meeting their health care costs. The Administration recommended a major expansion of this effort. The coverage of the Social Security Act has been broadened since 1953 to make 11 million additional people eligible for retirement, disability or survivor benefits for themselves or their dependents, and the Social Security benefits have been substantially improved. Grants to the States for maternal and child welfare services have been increased. The States, aided by Federal grants, now assist some 6 million needy people through the programs of Old Age Assistance, Aid to Dependent Children, Aid to the Blind, and Aid to the Totally and Permanently Disabled. HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT More houses have been built during the past eight years--over nine million--than during any previous eight years in history. An historic new approach--Urban Renewal--now replaces piecemeal thrusts at slum pockets and urban blight. Communities engaged in urban renewal have doubled and renewal projects have more than tripled since 1953. An estimated 68 projects in 50 cities will be completed by the end of the current fiscal year; another 577 projects will be underway, and planning for 310 more will be in process. A total of $2 billion in Federal grants will ultimately be required to finance these 955 projects. New programs have been initiated to provide more and better housing for elderly people. Approximately 25,000 units especially designed for the elderly have been built, started, or approved in the past three years. For the first time, because of Federal help and .encouragement, 90 metropolitan areas and urban regions and 1140 smaller towns throughout the country are making comprehensive development plans for their future growth and development. American communities have been helped to plan water and sanitation systems and schools through planning advances for 1600 public works projects with a construction cost of nearly $2 billion. Mortgage insurance on individual homes has been greatly expanded. During the past eight years, the Federal Housing Administration alone insured over 2½ million home mortgages valued at $27 billion, and in addition, insured more than ten million property improvement loans. The Federal government must continue to provide leadership in order to make our cities and communities better places in which to live, work, and raise families, but without usurping rightful local authority, replacing individual responsibility, or stifling private initiative. IMMIGRATION Over 32,000 victims of Communist tyranny in Hungary were brought to our shores, and at this time our country is working to assist refugees from tyranny in Cuba. Since 1953, the waiting period for naturalization applicants has been reduced from 18 months to 45 days. The Administration also has made legislative recommendations to liberalize existing restrictions upon immigration while still safeguarding the national interest. It is imperative that our immigration policy be in the finest American tradition of providing a haven for oppressed peoples and fully in accord with our obligation as a leader of the free world. VETERANS In discharging the nation's obligation to our veterans, during the past eight years there have been: The readjustment of World War II veterans was completed, and the five million Korean conflict veterans were assisted in achieving successful readjustment to civilian life; Increases in compensation benefits for all eligible veterans with service connected disabilities; Higher non-service connected pension benefits for needy veterans; Greatly improved benefits to survivors of veterans dying in or as a result of service; Authorization, by Presidential directive, of an increase in the number of beds available for sick and disabled veterans; Development of a 12-year, $900 million construction program to modernize and improve our veterans hospitals; New modern techniques brought into the administration of Veterans Affairs to provide the highest quality service possible to those who have defended us. CONCLUSION In concluding my final message to the Congress, it is fitting to look back to my first--to the aims and ideals I set forth on February 2, 1953: To use America's influence in world affairs to advance the because of peace and justice, to conduct the affairs of the Executive Branch with integrity and efficiency, to encourage creative initiative in our economy, and to work toward the attainment of the well-being and equality of opportunity of all citizens. Equally, we have honored our commitment to pursue and attain specific objectives. Among them, as stated eight years ago: strengthening of the mutual security program; development of world trade and commerce; ending of hostilities in Korea; creation of a powerful deterrent force; practicing fiscal responsibility; checking the menace of inflation; reducing the tax burden; providing an effective internal security program; developing and conserving our natural resources; reducing governmental interference in the affairs of the farmer; strengthening and improving services by the Department of Labor, and the vigilant guarding of civil and social fights. I do not close this message implying that all is well--that all problems are solved. For progress implies both new and continuing problems and, unlike Presidential administrations, problems rarely have terminal dates. Abroad, there is the continuing Communist threat to the freedom of Berlin, an explosive situation in Laos, the problems caused by Communist penetration of Cuba, as well as the many problems connected with the development of the new nations in Africa. These areas, in particular, call for delicate handling and constant review. At home, several conspicuous problems remain: promoting higher levels of employment, with special emphasis on areas in which heavy unemployment has persisted; continuing to provide for steady economic growth and preserving a sound currency; bringing our balance of payments into more reasonable equilibrium and continuing a high level of confidence in our national and international systems; eliminating heavily excessive surpluses of a few farm commodities; and overcoming deficiencies in our health and educational programs. Our goal always has been to add to the spiritual, moral, and material strength of our nation. I believe we have done this. But it is a process that must never end. Let us pray that leaders of both the near and distant future will be able to keep the nation strong and at peace, that they will advance the well-being of all our people, that they will lead us on to still higher moral standards, and that, in achieving these goals, they will maintain a reasonable balance between private and governmental responsibility. DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER
to the congress of the united states once again it is my constitutional duty to assess the state of the union on each such previous occasion during these past eight years i have outlined a forward course designed to achieve our mutual objective a better america in a world of peace this time my function is different the american people in free election have selected new leadership which soon will be entrusted with the management of our government a new president shortly will lay before you his proposals to shape the future of our great land to him every citizen whatever his political beliefs prayerfully extends best wishes for good health and for wisdom and success in coping with the problems that confront our nation for my part i should like first to express to you of the congress my appreciation of your devotion to the common good and your friendship over these difficult years i will carry with me pleasant memories of this association in endeavors profoundly significant to all our people we have been through a lengthy period in which the control over the executive and legislative branches of government has been divided between our two great political parties differences of course we have had particularly in domestic affairs but in a united determination to keep this nation strong and free and to utilize our vast resources for the advancement of all mankind we have carried america to unprecedented heights for this cooperative achievement i thank the american people and those in the congress of both parties who have supported programs in the interest of our country i should also like to give special thanks for the devoted service of my associates in the executive branch and the hundreds of thousands of career employees who have implemented our diverse government programs my second purpose is to review briefly the record of these past eight years in the hope that out of the sum of these experiences lessons will emerge that are useful to our nation supporting this review are detailed reports from the several agencies and departments all of which are now or will shortly be available to the congress throughout the world the years since 1953 have been a period of profound change the human problems in the world grow more acute hour by hour yet new gains in science and technology continually extend the promise of a better life people yearn to be free to govern themselves yet a third of the people of the world have no freedom do not govern themselves the world recognizes the catastrophic nature of nuclear war yet it sees the wondrous potential of nuclear peace during the period the united states has forged ahead under a constructive foreign policy the continuing goal is peace liberty and for others as well as ourselves the aspirations of all peoples are one peace with justice in freedom peace can only be attained collectively as peoples everywhere unite in their determination that liberty and come to all mankind yet while we have worked to advance national aspirations for freedom a divisive force has been at work to divert that aspiration into dangerous channels the communist movement throughout the world exploits the natural striving of all to be free and attempts to subjugate men rather than free them these activities have caused and are continuing to because grave troubles in the world here at home these have been times for careful adjustment of our economy from the artificial impetus of a hot war to constructive growth in a precarious peace while building a new economic vitality without inflation we have also increased public expenditures to keep abreast of the needs of a growing population and its attendant new problems as well as our added international responsibilities we have worked toward these ends in a context of shared responsibility conscious of the need for maximum scope to private effort and for state and local as well as federal governmental action success in designing and executing national purposes domestically and abroad can only come from a steadfast resolution that integrity in the operation of government and in our relations with each other be fully maintained only in this way could our spiritual goals be fully advanced foreign policy on january 20 1953 when i took office the united states was at war since the signing of the korean armistice in 1953 americans have lived in peace in highly troubled times during the 1956 suez crisis the united states government strongly supported united nations action resulting in the ending of the hostilities in egypt again in 1958 peace was preserved in the middle east despite new discord our government responded to the request of the friendly lebanese government for military help and promptly withdrew american forces as soon as the situation was stabilized in 1958 our support of the republic of china during the bombardment of quemoy restrained the communist chinese from attempting to invade the islands although unhappily communist penetration of cuba is real and poses a serious threat communist dominated regimes have been deposed in guatemala and iran the occupation of austria has ended and the trieste question has been settled despite constant threats to its integrity west berlin has remained free important advances have been made in building mutual security arrangements which lie at the heart of our hopes for future peace and security in the world the southeast asia treaty organization has been established the nato alliance has been militarily strengthened the organization of american states has been further developed as an instrument of cooperation the anzus treaty has strengthened ties with australia and new zealand and a mutual security treaty with japan has been signed in addition the cento pact has been concluded and while we are not officially a member of this alliance we have participated closely in its deliberations the atoms for peace proposal to the united nations led to the creation of the international atomic energy agency our policy has been to push for enforceable programs of inspection against surprise attack suspension of nuclear testing arms reduction and peaceful use of outer space the united nations has been vigorously supported in all of its actions including the condemnations of the wholesale murder of the people of tibet by the chinese communists and the brutal soviet repression of the people of hungary as well as the more recent un actions in the congo the united states took the initiative in negotiating the significant treaty to guarantee the peaceful use of vast antarctica the united states information agency has been transformed into a greatly improved medium for explaining our policies and actions to audiences overseas answering the lies of communist propaganda and projecting a clearer image of american life and culture cultural technological and educational exchanges with the soviet union have been encouraged and a comprehensive agreement was made which authorized among other things the distribution of our russian language magazine amerika and the highly successful american exhibition in moscow this country has continued to withhold recognition of communist china and to oppose vigorously the admission of this belligerent and unrepentant nation into the united nations red china has yet to demonstrate that it deserves to be considered a nation with communist imperialism held in check constructive actions were undertaken to strengthen the economies of free world nations the united states government has given sturdy support to the economic and technical assistance activities of the un this country stimulated a doubling of the capital of the world bank and a 50 percent capital increase in the international monetary fund the development loan fund and the international development association were established the united states also took the lead in creating the development bank vice president nixon secretaries of state dulles and herter and i travelled extensively through the world for the purpose of strengthening the because of peace freedom and international understanding so rewarding were these visits that their very success became a significant factor in causing the soviet union to wreck the planned summit conference of 1960 these vital programs must go on new tactics will have to be developed of course to meet new situations but the underlying principles should be constant our great moral and material commitments to collective security deterrence of force international law negotiations that lead to agreements and the economic interdependence of free nations should remain the cornerstone of a foreign policy that will ultimately bring permanent peace with justice in freedom to all mankind the continuing need of all free nations today is for each to recognize clearly the essentiality of an unbreakable bond among themselves based upon a complete dedication to the principles of collective security effective cooperation and peace with justice national defense for the first time in our nation history we have consistently maintained in peacetime military forces of a magnitude sufficient to deter and if need be to destroy predatory forces in the world tremendous advances in strategic weapons systems have been made in the past eight years not until 1953 were expenditures on ballistic missile programs even as much as a million dollars a year today we spend ten times as much each day on these programs as was spent in all of 1952 no guided ballistic missiles were operational at the beginning of 1953 today many types give our armed forces unprecedented effectiveness the explosive power of our weapons systems for all purposes is almost inconceivable today the united states has operational atlas missiles which can strike a target 5000 miles away in a the polaris weapons system became operational last fall and the titan is scheduled to become so this year next year more than a year ahead of schedule a vastly improved icbm the solid propellant minuteman is expected to be ready squadrons of accurate intermediate range ballistic missiles are now operational the thor and jupiter irbms based in forward areas can hit targets 1500 miles away in 18 minutes aircraft which fly at speeds faster than sound were still in a developmental stage eight years ago today american fighting planes go twice the speed of sound and either our medium range jet bomber or our long range jet bomber can carry more explosive power than was used by all combatants in world war ii allies and axis combined eight years ago we had no ships today 49 nuclear warships have been authorized of these 14 have been commissioned including three of the revolutionary polaris submarines our nuclear submarines have cruised under the north pole and circumnavigated the earth while submerged sea warfare has been revolutionized and the united states is far and away the leader our tactical air units overseas and our aircraft carriers are alert army units guarding the frontiers of freedom in europe and the far east are in the highest state of readiness in peacetime history our marines a third of whom are deployed in the far east are constantly prepared for action our reserve establishment has maintained high standards of proficiency and the ready reserve now numbers over 2 ½ million the department of defense a young and still evolving organization has twice been improved and the line of command has been shortened in order to meet the demands of modern warfare these major reorganizations have provided a more effective structure for unified planning and direction of the vast defense establishment gradual improvements in its structure and procedures are to be expected united states civil defense and nonmilitary defense capacity has been greatly strengthened and these activities have been consolidated in one federal agency the defense forces of our allies now number five million men several thousand combatant ships and over aircraft programs to strengthen these allies have been consistently supported by the administration military assistance goes almost exclusively to friendly nations on the rim of the communist world this american contribution to nations who have the will to defend their freedom but insufficient means should be vigorously continued combined with our allies the free world now has a far stronger shield than we could provide alone since 1953 our defense policy has been based on the assumption that the international situation would require heavy defense expenditures for an indefinite period to come probably for years in this protracted struggle good management dictates that we resist overspending as resolutely as we oppose every dollar uselessly spent on military mechanisms decreases our total strength and therefore our security we must not return to the psychology of the past when each new feint by the communists was responded to in panic the bomber gap of several years ago was always a fiction and the missile gap shows every sign of being the same the nation can ill afford to abandon a national policy which provides for a fully adequate and steady level of effort designed for the long pull a fast adjustment to new scientific and technological advances a balanced force of such strength as to deter general war to effectively meet local situations and to retaliate to attack and destroy the attacker and a strengthened system of free world collective security the economy the expanding american economy passed the dollar mark in gross national product early in 1960 the nation output of goods and services is now nearly 25 percent higher than in 1952 in 1959 the average american family had an income of 15 percent higher in dollars of constant buying power than in 1952 and the real wages of american factory workers have risen 20 percent during the past eight years these facts reflect the rising standard of individual and family enjoyed by americans our nation benefits also from a remarkable improvement in general industrial peace through strengthened processes of free collective bargaining time lost since 1952 because of strikes has been half that lost in the eight years prior to that date legislation now requires that union members have the opportunity for full participation in the affairs of their unions the administration supported the act which i believe is greatly helpful to the vast bulk of american labor and its leaders and also is a major step in getting racketeers and gangsters out of affairs the economic security of working men and women has been strengthened by an extension of unemployment insurance coverage to million million federal employees and million employees of small businesses and by a strengthening of the railroad unemployment insurance act states have been encouraged to improve their unemployment compensation benefits so that today average weekly benefits are 40 percent higher than in 1953 determined efforts have improved workers safety standards enforceable safety standards have been established for longshoremen and ship repair workers federal safety councils have been increased from 14 to over 100 safety awards have been initiated and a national construction safety program has been developed a major factor in strengthening our competitive enterprise system and promoting economic growth has been the vigorous enforcement of antitrust laws over the last eight years and a continuing effort to reduce artificial restraints on competition and trade and enhance our economic liberties this purpose was also significantly advanced in 1953 when as one of the first acts of this administration restrictive wage and price controls were ended an additional measure to strengthen the american system of competitive enterprise was the creation of the small business administration in 1953 to assist existing small businesses and encourage new ones this agency has approved over 1 billion in loans initiated a new program to provide capital for small businesses aided in setting aside 3½ billion in government contracts for award to small business concerns and brought to the attention of individual businessmen through programs of information and education new developments in management and production techniques since 1952 important tax revisions have been made to encourage small businesses many major improvements in the nation transportation system have been made after long years of debate the dream of a great lawrence seaway opening the heartland of america to ocean commerce has been fulfilled the new federal aviation agency is fostering greater safety in air travel the largest public construction program in history the mile national system of interstate and defense highways has been pushed rapidly forward percent of this system is now open to traffic efforts to help every american build a better life have included also a vigorous program for expanding our trade with other nations a renewal of the reciprocal trade agreements act was passed in 1958 and a continuing and rewarding effort has been made to persuade other countries to remove restrictions against our exports a new export expansion program was launched in 1960 inaugurating improvement of export credit insurance and broadening research and information programs to awaken americans to business opportunities overseas these actions and generally prosperous conditions abroad have helped push america export trade to a level of 20 billion in 1960 although intermittent declines in economic activity persist as a problem in our enterprise system recent downturns have been moderate and of short duration there is however little room for complacency currently our economy is operating at high levels but unemployment rates are higher than any of us would like and chronic pockets of high unemployment persist clearly continued sound and broadly shared economic growth remains a major national objective toward which we must strive through joint private and public efforts if government continues to work to assure every american the fullest opportunity to develop and utilize his ability and talent it will be performing one of its most vital functions that of advancing the welfare and protecting the dignity rights and freedom of all americans government finance and administration in january 1953 the consumer dollar was worth only 52 cents in terms of the food clothing shelter and other items it would buy compared to 1939 today the inflationary spiral which had raised the cost of living by 36 percent between 1946 and 1952 has all but ceased and the value of the dollar virtually stabilized in 1954 we had the largest tax cut in history amounting to billion annually of which over 62 percent went to individuals mostly in the small income brackets this administration has directed constant efforts toward fiscal responsibility balanced budgets have been sought when the economy was advancing and a rigorous evaluation of spending programs has been maintained at all times resort to deficit financing in prosperous times could easily erode international confidence in the dollar and contribute to inflation at home in this belief i shall submit a balanced budget for fiscal 1962 to the congress next week there has been a firm policy of reducing government competition with private enterprise this has resulted in the discontinuance of some commercial industrial installations and in addition the curtailment of approximately 550 industrial installations operated directly by government agencies also an aggressive surplus disposal program has been carried on to identify and dispose of unneeded real property this has resulted in the addition of a substantial number of valuable properties to local tax rolls and a significant monetary return to the government earnest and persistent attempts have been made to strengthen the position of state and local governments and thereby to stop the dangerous drift toward centralization of governmental power in washington significant strides have been made in increasing the effectiveness of government important new agencies have been established such as the department of health education and welfare the federal aviation agency and the national aeronautics and space administration the council of economic advisers was reconstituted the operation of our postal system has been modernized to get better and more efficient service modernized handling of local mail now brings delivery to 168 million people in our population centers expanded carrier service now accommodates million families in the growing suburbs and million families have been added to the rural delivery service common sense dictates that the postal service should be on a basis the concept of a trained and dedicated government career service has been strengthened by the provision of life and health insurance benefits a vastly improved retirement system a new merit promotion program and the first effective incentive awards program with no sacrifice in efficiency federal civilian employment since 1953 has been reduced by over a quarter of a million persons i am deeply gratified that it was under the urging of this administration that alaska and hawaii became our 49th and 50th states agriculture despite the difficulties of administering congressional programs which apply outmoded prescriptions and which aggravate rather than solve problems the past eight years brought notable advances in agriculture total agricultural assets are approximately 200 billion up 36 billion in eight years farm owner equities are at the near record high of 174 billion farm ownership is at a record high with fewer farmers in a tenant and sharecropper status than at any time in our nation history the program has demonstrated how surplus of american food and fiber can be effectively used to feed and clothe the needy abroad aided by this humanitarian program total agricultural exports have grown from billion in 1953 to an average of about 4 billion annually for the past three years for 1960 exports are estimated at billion the highest volume on record under the program the largest wheat transaction in history was consummated with india in 1960 the problems of farm families received systematic attention for the first time in the rural development program this program has gone forward in 39 states yielding higher incomes and a better living for rural people most in need the rural electrification administration has helped meet the growing demand for power and telephones in agricultural areas percent of all farms now have central station electric power dependence upon federal financing should no longer be necessary the farm credit administration has been made an independent agency more responsive to the farmer needs the search for new uses for our farm abundance and to develop new crops for current needs has made major progress agricultural research appropriations have increased by 171 percent since 1953 farmers are being saved approximately 80 million a year by the repeal in 1956 of federal taxes on gasoline used in tractors and other machinery since 1953 appropriations have been doubled for county agents home agents and the extension service eligibility for social security benefits has been extended to farmers and their families yet in certain aspects our agricultural surplus situation is increasingly grave for example our wheat stocks now total billion bushels if we did not harvest one bushel of wheat in this coming year we would still have all we could eat all we could sell abroad all we could give away and still have a substantial carryover extraordinary costs are involved just in management and disposal of this burdensome surplus obviously important adjustments must still come congress must enact additional legislation to permit wheat and other farm commodities to move into regular marketing channels in an orderly manner and at the same time afford the needed price protection to the farmer only then will agriculture again be free sound and profitable natural resources new emphasis has been placed on the care of our national parks a ten year development program of our national park system mission 66 was initiated and acres of park land have been added since 1953 appropriations for fish and wildlife operations have more than doubled new refuges containing acres have been added to the national wildlife management system our nation forests have been improved at the most rapid rate in history the largest sustained effort in water resources development in our history has taken place in the field of reclamation alone over 50 new projects or project units have been authorized since 1953 including the billion dollar colorado river storage project when all these projects have been completed they will have a storage capacity of nearly 43 million an increase of 50 percent over the bureau of reclamation storage capacity in in addition since 1953 over 450 new navigation flood control and multiple purpose projects of the corps of engineers have been started costing nearly 6 billion dollars soil and water conservation has been advanced as never before one hundred projects are now being constructed under the watershed protection program hydroelectric power has been impressively developed through a policy which recognizes that the job to be done requires comprehensive development by federal state and local governments and private enterprise teamwork is essential to achieve this objective the federal columbia river power system has grown from two multipurpose dams with a million kilowatt capacity to 17 multipurpose projects completed or under construction with an ultimate installed capacity of million kilowatts after years of negotiation a columbia river storage development agreement with canada now opens the way for early realization of unparalleled power flood control and resource conservation benefits for the pacific northwest a treaty implementing this agreement will shortly be submitted to the senate a farsighted and highly successful program for meeting urgent water needs is being carded out by converting salt water to fresh water a 75 percent reduction in the cost of this process has already been realized continuous resource development is essential for our expanding economy we must continue vigorous combined federal state and private programs at the same time preserving to the maximum extent possible our natural and scenic heritage for future generations education science and technology the national defense education act of 1958 is already a milestone in the history of american education it provides broad opportunities for the intellectual development of all children by strengthening courses of study in science mathematics and foreign languages by developing new graduate programs to train additional teachers and by providing loans for young people who need financial help to go to college the administration proposed on numerous occasions a broad new program of federal aid to help overcome the classroom shortage in public elementary and secondary schools recommendations were also made to give assistance to colleges and universities for the construction of academic and residential buildings to meet future enrollment increases this administration greatly expanded federal loans for building dormitories for students teachers and nurses training a program assisting in the construction of approximately living accommodations during the past 8 years there has been a vigorous acceleration of health resource and education programs designed to advance the role of the american indian in our society last fall for example 91 percent of the indian children between the ages of 6 and 18 on reservations were enrolled in school this is a rise of 12 percent since 1953 in the field of science and technology startling strides have been made by the new national aeronautics and space administration in little more than two years nasa has successfully launched meteorological satellites such as tiros i and tiros ii that promise to revolutionize methods of weather forecasting demonstrated the feasibility of satellites for global communications by the successful launching of echo i produced an enormous amount of valuable scientific data such as the discovery of the van allen radiation belt successfully launched probes that maintained communication over the greatest range man has ever tracked and made real progress toward the goal of manned space flights these achievements unquestionably make us preeminent today in space exploration for the betterment of mankind i believe the present organizational arrangements in this area with the revisions proposed last year are completely adequate for the tasks ahead americans can look forward to new achievements in space exploration the near future will hold such wonders as the orbital flight of an astronaut the landing of instruments on the moon the launching of the powerful giant saturn rocket vehicles and the reconnaissance of mars and venus by unmanned vehicles the application of atomic energy to industry agriculture and medicine has progressed from hope and experiment to reality american industry and agriculture are making increasing use of radioisotopes to improve manufacturing testing and atomic energy has improved the ability of the healing professions to combat disease and holds promise for an eventual increase in man life span education science technology and balanced programs of every are the roadways to progress with appropriate federal support the states and localities can assure opportunities for achieving excellence at all levels of the educational system and with the federal government continuing to give wholehearted support to basic scientific research and technology we can expect to maintain our position of leadership in the world civil rights the first consequential federal civil rights legislation in 85 years was enacted by congress on recommendation of the administration in 1957 and 1960 a new civil rights division in the department of justice has already moved to enforce constitutional rights in such areas as voting and the elimination of jim crow laws greater equality of job opportunity in federal employment and employment with federal contractors has been effectively provided through the president committees on government contracts and government employment practices the civil rights commission has undertaken important surveys in the fields of housing voting and education segregation has been abolished in the armed forces in veterans hospitals in all federal employment and throughout the district of columbia administratively accomplished progress in this field that is unmatched in america recent history this pioneering work in civil rights must go on not only because discrimination is morally wrong but also because its impact is more than national it is health and welfare federal medical research expenditures have increased more than fourfold since 1954 a vast variety of the approaches known to medical science has been explored to find better methods of treatment and prevention of major diseases particularly heart diseases cancer and mental illness the control of air and water pollution has been greatly strengthened americans now have greater protection against harmful unclean or misrepresented foods drugs or cosmetics through a strengthened food and drug administration and by new legislation which requires that food additives be proved safe for human consumption before use a newly established federal radiation council along with the department of health education and welfare analyzes and coordinates information regarding radiological activities which affect the public health medical manpower has been increased by federal grants for teaching and research construction of new medical facilities has been stepped up and extended to include nursing homes diagnostic and treatment centers and rehabilitation facilities the vocational rehabilitation program has been significantly expanded about handicapped people are now being rehabilitated annually so they are again able to earn their own living with and dignity new legislation provides for better medical care for the needy aged including those older persons who while otherwise need help in meeting their health care costs the administration recommended a major expansion of this effort the coverage of the social security act has been broadened since 1953 to make 11 million additional people eligible for retirement disability or survivor benefits for themselves or their dependents and the social security benefits have been substantially improved grants to the states for maternal and child welfare services have been increased the states aided by federal grants now assist some 6 million needy people through the programs of old age assistance aid to dependent children aid to the blind and aid to the totally and permanently disabled housing and urban development more houses have been built during the past eight years over nine million than during any previous eight years in history an historic new approach urban renewal now replaces piecemeal thrusts at slum pockets and urban blight communities engaged in urban renewal have doubled and renewal projects have more than tripled since 1953 an estimated 68 projects in 50 cities will be completed by the end of the current fiscal year another 577 projects will be underway and planning for 310 more will be in process a total of 2 billion in federal grants will ultimately be required to finance these 955 projects new programs have been initiated to provide more and better housing for elderly people approximately units especially designed for the elderly have been built started or approved in the past three years for the first time because of federal help and 90 metropolitan areas and urban regions and 1140 smaller towns throughout the country are making comprehensive development plans for their future growth and development american communities have been helped to plan water and sanitation systems and schools through planning advances for 1600 public works projects with a construction cost of nearly 2 billion mortgage insurance on individual homes has been greatly expanded during the past eight years the federal housing administration alone insured over 2½ million home mortgages valued at 27 billion and in addition insured more than ten million property improvement loans the federal government must continue to provide leadership in order to make our cities and communities better places in which to live work and raise families but without usurping rightful local authority replacing individual responsibility or stifling private initiative immigration over victims of communist tyranny in hungary were brought to our shores and at this time our country is working to assist refugees from tyranny in cuba since 1953 the waiting period for naturalization applicants has been reduced from 18 months to 45 days the administration also has made legislative recommendations to liberalize existing restrictions upon immigration while still safeguarding the national interest it is imperative that our immigration policy be in the finest american tradition of providing a haven for oppressed peoples and fully in accord with our obligation as a leader of the free world veterans in discharging the nation obligation to our veterans during the past eight years there have been the readjustment of world war ii veterans was completed and the five million korean conflict veterans were assisted in achieving successful readjustment to civilian life increases in compensation benefits for all eligible veterans with service connected disabilities higher connected pension benefits for needy veterans greatly improved benefits to survivors of veterans dying in or as a result of service authorization by presidential directive of an increase in the number of beds available for sick and disabled veterans development of a 900 million construction program to modernize and improve our veterans hospitals new modern techniques brought into the administration of veterans affairs to provide the highest quality service possible to those who have defended us conclusion in concluding my final message to the congress it is fitting to look back to my first to the aims and ideals i set forth on february 2 1953 to use america influence in world affairs to advance the because of peace and justice to conduct the affairs of the executive branch with integrity and efficiency to encourage creative initiative in our economy and to work toward the attainment of the and equality of opportunity of all citizens equally we have honored our commitment to pursue and attain specific objectives among them as stated eight years ago strengthening of the mutual security program development of world trade and commerce ending of hostilities in korea creation of a powerful deterrent force practicing fiscal responsibility checking the menace of inflation reducing the tax burden providing an effective internal security program developing and conserving our natural resources reducing governmental interference in the affairs of the farmer strengthening and improving services by the department of labor and the vigilant guarding of civil and social fights i do not close this message implying that all is well that all problems are solved for progress implies both new and continuing problems and unlike presidential administrations problems rarely have terminal dates abroad there is the continuing communist threat to the freedom of berlin an explosive situation in laos the problems caused by communist penetration of cuba as well as the many problems connected with the development of the new nations in africa these areas in particular call for delicate handling and constant review at home several conspicuous problems remain promoting higher levels of employment with special emphasis on areas in which heavy unemployment has persisted continuing to provide for steady economic growth and preserving a sound currency bringing our balance of payments into more reasonable equilibrium and continuing a high level of confidence in our national and international systems eliminating heavily excessive surpluses of a few farm commodities and overcoming deficiencies in our health and educational programs our goal always has been to add to the spiritual moral and material strength of our nation i believe we have done this but it is a process that must never end let us pray that leaders of both the near and distant future will be able to keep the nation strong and at peace that they will advance the of all our people that they will lead us on to still higher moral standards and that in achieving these goals they will maintain a reasonable balance between private and governmental responsibility dwight eisenhower
congress united states constitutional duty assess state union previous occasion past eight years outlined forward course designed achieve mutual objective better america world peace time function different american people free election selected new leadership soon entrusted management government new president shortly lay proposals shape future great land every citizen whatever political beliefs prayerfully extends best wishes good health wisdom success coping problems confront nation part like first express congress appreciation devotion common good friendship difficult years carry pleasant memories association endeavors profoundly significant people lengthy period control executive legislative branches government divided two great political parties differences course particularly domestic affairs united determination keep nation strong free utilize vast resources advancement mankind carried america unprecedented heights cooperative achievement thank american people congress parties supported programs interest country also like give special thanks devoted service associates executive branch hundreds thousands career employees implemented diverse government programs second purpose review briefly record past eight years hope sum experiences lessons emerge useful nation supporting review detailed reports several agencies departments shortly available congress throughout world years since 1953 period profound change human problems world grow acute hour hour yet new gains science technology continually extend promise better life people yearn free govern yet third people world freedom govern world recognizes catastrophic nature nuclear war yet sees wondrous potential nuclear peace period united states forged ahead constructive foreign policy continuing goal peace liberty others well aspirations peoples one peace justice freedom peace attained collectively peoples everywhere unite determination liberty come mankind yet worked advance national aspirations freedom divisive force work divert aspiration dangerous channels communist movement throughout world exploits natural striving free attempts subjugate men rather free activities caused continuing grave troubles world home times careful adjustment economy artificial impetus hot war constructive growth precarious peace building new economic vitality without inflation also increased public expenditures keep abreast needs growing population attendant new problems well added international responsibilities worked toward ends context shared responsibility conscious need maximum scope private effort state local well federal governmental action success designing executing national purposes domestically abroad come steadfast resolution integrity operation government relations fully maintained way could spiritual goals fully advanced foreign policy january 20 1953 took office united states war since signing korean armistice 1953 americans lived peace highly troubled times 1956 suez crisis united states government strongly supported united nations action resulting ending hostilities egypt 1958 peace preserved middle east despite new discord government responded request friendly lebanese government military help promptly withdrew american forces soon situation stabilized 1958 support republic china bombardment quemoy restrained communist chinese attempting invade islands although unhappily communist penetration cuba real poses serious threat communist dominated regimes deposed guatemala iran occupation austria ended trieste question settled despite constant threats integrity west berlin remained free important advances made building mutual security arrangements lie heart hopes future peace security world southeast asia treaty organization established nato alliance militarily strengthened organization american states developed instrument cooperation anzus treaty strengthened ties australia new zealand mutual security treaty japan signed addition cento pact concluded officially member alliance participated closely deliberations atoms peace proposal united nations led creation international atomic energy agency policy push enforceable programs inspection surprise attack suspension nuclear testing arms reduction peaceful use outer space united nations vigorously supported actions including condemnations wholesale murder people tibet chinese communists brutal soviet repression people hungary well recent un actions congo united states took initiative negotiating significant treaty guarantee peaceful use vast antarctica united states information agency transformed greatly improved medium explaining policies actions audiences overseas answering lies communist propaganda projecting clearer image american life culture cultural technological educational exchanges soviet union encouraged comprehensive agreement made authorized among things distribution russian language magazine amerika highly successful american exhibition moscow country continued withhold recognition communist china oppose vigorously admission belligerent unrepentant nation united nations red china yet demonstrate deserves considered nation communist imperialism held check constructive actions undertaken strengthen economies free world nations united states government given sturdy support economic technical assistance activities un country stimulated doubling capital world bank 50 percent capital increase international monetary fund development loan fund international development association established united states also took lead creating development bank vice president nixon secretaries state dulles herter travelled extensively world purpose strengthening peace freedom international understanding rewarding visits success became significant factor causing soviet union wreck planned summit conference 1960 vital programs must go new tactics developed course meet new situations underlying principles constant great moral material commitments collective security deterrence force international law negotiations lead agreements economic interdependence free nations remain cornerstone foreign policy ultimately bring permanent peace justice freedom mankind continuing need free nations today recognize clearly essentiality unbreakable bond among based upon complete dedication principles collective security effective cooperation peace justice national defense first time nation history consistently maintained peacetime military forces magnitude sufficient deter need destroy predatory forces world tremendous advances strategic weapons systems made past eight years 1953 expenditures ballistic missile programs even much million dollars year today spend ten times much day programs spent 1952 guided ballistic missiles operational beginning 1953 today many types give armed forces unprecedented effectiveness explosive power weapons systems purposes almost inconceivable today united states operational atlas missiles strike target 5000 miles away polaris weapons system became operational last fall titan scheduled become year next year year ahead schedule vastly improved icbm solid propellant minuteman expected ready squadrons accurate intermediate range ballistic missiles operational thor jupiter irbms based forward areas hit targets 1500 miles away 18 minutes aircraft fly speeds faster sound still developmental stage eight years ago today american fighting planes go twice speed sound either medium range jet bomber long range jet bomber carry explosive power used combatants world war ii allies axis combined eight years ago ships today 49 nuclear warships authorized 14 commissioned including three revolutionary polaris submarines nuclear submarines cruised north pole circumnavigated earth submerged sea warfare revolutionized united states far away leader tactical air units overseas aircraft carriers alert army units guarding frontiers freedom europe far east highest state readiness peacetime history marines third deployed far east constantly prepared action reserve establishment maintained high standards proficiency ready reserve numbers 2 ½ million department defense young still evolving organization twice improved line command shortened order meet demands modern warfare major reorganizations provided effective structure unified planning direction vast defense establishment gradual improvements structure procedures expected united states civil defense nonmilitary defense capacity greatly strengthened activities consolidated one federal agency defense forces allies number five million men several thousand combatant ships aircraft programs strengthen allies consistently supported administration military assistance goes almost exclusively friendly nations rim communist world american contribution nations defend freedom insufficient means vigorously continued combined allies free world far stronger shield could provide alone since 1953 defense policy based assumption international situation would require heavy defense expenditures indefinite period come probably years protracted struggle good management dictates resist overspending resolutely oppose every dollar uselessly spent military mechanisms decreases total strength therefore security must return psychology past new feint communists responded panic bomber gap several years ago always fiction missile gap shows every sign nation ill afford abandon national policy provides fully adequate steady level effort designed long pull fast adjustment new scientific technological advances balanced force strength deter general war effectively meet local situations retaliate attack destroy attacker strengthened system free world collective security economy expanding american economy passed dollar mark gross national product early 1960 nation output goods services nearly 25 percent higher 1952 1959 average american family income 15 percent higher dollars constant buying power 1952 real wages american factory workers risen 20 percent past eight years facts reflect rising standard individual family enjoyed americans nation benefits also remarkable improvement general industrial peace strengthened processes free collective bargaining time lost since 1952 strikes half lost eight years prior date legislation requires union members opportunity full participation affairs unions administration supported act believe greatly helpful vast bulk american labor leaders also major step getting racketeers gangsters affairs economic security working men women strengthened extension unemployment insurance coverage million million federal employees million employees small businesses strengthening railroad unemployment insurance act states encouraged improve unemployment compensation benefits today average weekly benefits 40 percent higher 1953 determined efforts improved workers safety standards enforceable safety standards established longshoremen ship repair workers federal safety councils increased 14 100 safety awards initiated national construction safety program developed major factor strengthening competitive enterprise system promoting economic growth vigorous enforcement antitrust laws last eight years continuing effort reduce artificial restraints competition trade enhance economic liberties purpose also significantly advanced 1953 one first acts administration restrictive wage price controls ended additional measure strengthen american system competitive enterprise creation small business administration 1953 assist existing small businesses encourage new ones agency approved 1 billion loans initiated new program provide capital small businesses aided setting aside 3½ billion government contracts award small business concerns brought attention individual businessmen programs information education new developments management production techniques since 1952 important tax revisions made encourage small businesses many major improvements nation transportation system made long years debate dream great lawrence seaway opening heartland america ocean commerce fulfilled new federal aviation agency fostering greater safety air travel largest public construction program history mile national system interstate defense highways pushed rapidly forward percent system open traffic efforts help every american build better life included also vigorous program expanding trade nations renewal reciprocal trade agreements act passed 1958 continuing rewarding effort made persuade countries remove restrictions exports new export expansion program launched 1960 inaugurating improvement export credit insurance broadening research information programs awaken americans business opportunities overseas actions generally prosperous conditions abroad helped push america export trade level 20 billion 1960 although intermittent declines economic activity persist problem enterprise system recent downturns moderate short duration however little room complacency currently economy operating high levels unemployment rates higher us would like chronic pockets high unemployment persist clearly continued sound broadly shared economic growth remains major national objective toward must strive joint private public efforts government continues work assure every american fullest opportunity develop utilize ability talent performing one vital functions advancing welfare protecting dignity rights freedom americans government finance administration january 1953 consumer dollar worth 52 cents terms food clothing shelter items would buy compared 1939 today inflationary spiral raised cost living 36 percent 1946 1952 ceased value dollar virtually stabilized 1954 largest tax cut history amounting billion annually 62 percent went individuals mostly small income brackets administration directed constant efforts toward fiscal responsibility balanced budgets sought economy advancing rigorous evaluation spending programs maintained times resort deficit financing prosperous times could easily erode international confidence dollar contribute inflation home belief shall submit balanced budget fiscal 1962 congress next week firm policy reducing government competition private enterprise resulted discontinuance commercial industrial installations addition curtailment approximately 550 industrial installations operated directly government agencies also aggressive surplus disposal program carried identify dispose unneeded real property resulted addition substantial number valuable properties local tax rolls significant monetary return government earnest persistent attempts made strengthen position state local governments thereby stop dangerous drift toward centralization governmental power washington significant strides made increasing effectiveness government important new agencies established department health education welfare federal aviation agency national aeronautics space administration council economic advisers reconstituted operation postal system modernized get better efficient service modernized handling local mail brings delivery 168 million people population centers expanded carrier service accommodates million families growing suburbs million families added rural delivery service common sense dictates postal service basis concept trained dedicated government career service strengthened provision life health insurance benefits vastly improved retirement system new merit promotion program first effective incentive awards program sacrifice efficiency federal civilian employment since 1953 reduced quarter million persons deeply gratified urging administration alaska hawaii became 49th 50th states agriculture despite difficulties administering congressional programs apply outmoded prescriptions aggravate rather solve problems past eight years brought notable advances agriculture total agricultural assets approximately 200 billion 36 billion eight years farm owner equities near record high 174 billion farm ownership record high fewer farmers tenant sharecropper status time nation history program demonstrated surplus american food fiber effectively used feed clothe needy abroad aided humanitarian program total agricultural exports grown billion 1953 average 4 billion annually past three years 1960 exports estimated billion highest volume record program largest wheat transaction history consummated india 1960 problems farm families received systematic attention first time rural development program program gone forward 39 states yielding higher incomes better living rural people need rural electrification administration helped meet growing demand power telephones agricultural areas percent farms central station electric power dependence upon federal financing longer necessary farm credit administration made independent agency responsive farmer needs search new uses farm abundance develop new crops current needs made major progress agricultural research appropriations increased 171 percent since 1953 farmers saved approximately 80 million year repeal 1956 federal taxes gasoline used tractors machinery since 1953 appropriations doubled county agents home agents extension service eligibility social security benefits extended farmers families yet certain aspects agricultural surplus situation increasingly grave example wheat stocks total billion bushels harvest one bushel wheat coming year would still could eat could sell abroad could give away still substantial carryover extraordinary costs involved management disposal burdensome surplus obviously important adjustments must still come congress must enact additional legislation permit wheat farm commodities move regular marketing channels orderly manner time afford needed price protection farmer agriculture free sound profitable natural resources new emphasis placed care national parks ten year development program national park system mission 66 initiated acres park land added since 1953 appropriations fish wildlife operations doubled new refuges containing acres added national wildlife management system nation forests improved rapid rate history largest sustained effort water resources development history taken place field reclamation alone 50 new projects project units authorized since 1953 including billion dollar colorado river storage project projects completed storage capacity nearly 43 million increase 50 percent bureau reclamation storage capacity addition since 1953 450 new navigation flood control multiple purpose projects corps engineers started costing nearly 6 billion dollars soil water conservation advanced never one hundred projects constructed watershed protection program hydroelectric power impressively developed policy recognizes job done requires comprehensive development federal state local governments private enterprise teamwork essential achieve objective federal columbia river power system grown two multipurpose dams million kilowatt capacity 17 multipurpose projects completed construction ultimate installed capacity million kilowatts years negotiation columbia river storage development agreement canada opens way early realization unparalleled power flood control resource conservation benefits pacific northwest treaty implementing agreement shortly submitted senate farsighted highly successful program meeting urgent water needs carded converting salt water fresh water 75 percent reduction cost process already realized continuous resource development essential expanding economy must continue vigorous combined federal state private programs time preserving maximum extent possible natural scenic heritage future generations education science technology national defense education act 1958 already milestone history american education provides broad opportunities intellectual development children strengthening courses study science mathematics foreign languages developing new graduate programs train additional teachers providing loans young people need financial help go college administration proposed numerous occasions broad new program federal aid help overcome classroom shortage public elementary secondary schools recommendations also made give assistance colleges universities construction academic residential buildings meet future enrollment increases administration greatly expanded federal loans building dormitories students teachers nurses training program assisting construction approximately living accommodations past 8 years vigorous acceleration health resource education programs designed advance role american indian society last fall example 91 percent indian children ages 6 18 reservations enrolled school rise 12 percent since 1953 field science technology startling strides made new national aeronautics space administration little two years nasa successfully launched meteorological satellites tiros tiros ii promise revolutionize methods weather forecasting demonstrated feasibility satellites global communications successful launching echo produced enormous amount valuable scientific data discovery van allen radiation belt successfully launched probes maintained communication greatest range man ever tracked made real progress toward goal manned space flights achievements unquestionably make us preeminent today space exploration betterment mankind believe present organizational arrangements area revisions proposed last year completely adequate tasks ahead americans look forward new achievements space exploration near future hold wonders orbital flight astronaut landing instruments moon launching powerful giant saturn rocket vehicles reconnaissance mars venus unmanned vehicles application atomic energy industry agriculture medicine progressed hope experiment reality american industry agriculture making increasing use radioisotopes improve manufacturing testing atomic energy improved ability healing professions combat disease holds promise eventual increase man life span education science technology balanced programs every roadways progress appropriate federal support states localities assure opportunities achieving excellence levels educational system federal government continuing give wholehearted support basic scientific research technology expect maintain position leadership world civil rights first consequential federal civil rights legislation 85 years enacted congress recommendation administration 1957 1960 new civil rights division department justice already moved enforce constitutional rights areas voting elimination jim crow laws greater equality job opportunity federal employment employment federal contractors effectively provided president committees government contracts government employment practices civil rights commission undertaken important surveys fields housing voting education segregation abolished armed forces veterans hospitals federal employment throughout district columbia administratively accomplished progress field unmatched america recent history pioneering work civil rights must go discrimination morally wrong also impact national health welfare federal medical research expenditures increased fourfold since 1954 vast variety approaches known medical science explored find better methods treatment prevention major diseases particularly heart diseases cancer mental illness control air water pollution greatly strengthened americans greater protection harmful unclean misrepresented foods drugs cosmetics strengthened food drug administration new legislation requires food additives proved safe human consumption use newly established federal radiation council along department health education welfare analyzes coordinates information regarding radiological activities affect public health medical manpower increased federal grants teaching research construction new medical facilities stepped extended include nursing homes diagnostic treatment centers rehabilitation facilities vocational rehabilitation program significantly expanded handicapped people rehabilitated annually able earn living dignity new legislation provides better medical care needy aged including older persons otherwise need help meeting health care costs administration recommended major expansion effort coverage social security act broadened since 1953 make 11 million additional people eligible retirement disability survivor benefits dependents social security benefits substantially improved grants states maternal child welfare services increased states aided federal grants assist 6 million needy people programs old age assistance aid dependent children aid blind aid totally permanently disabled housing urban development houses built past eight years nine million previous eight years history historic new approach urban renewal replaces piecemeal thrusts slum pockets urban blight communities engaged urban renewal doubled renewal projects tripled since 1953 estimated 68 projects 50 cities completed end current fiscal year another 577 projects underway planning 310 process total 2 billion federal grants ultimately required finance 955 projects new programs initiated provide better housing elderly people approximately units especially designed elderly built started approved past three years first time federal help 90 metropolitan areas urban regions 1140 smaller towns throughout country making comprehensive development plans future growth development american communities helped plan water sanitation systems schools planning advances 1600 public works projects construction cost nearly 2 billion mortgage insurance individual homes greatly expanded past eight years federal housing administration alone insured 2½ million home mortgages valued 27 billion addition insured ten million property improvement loans federal government must continue provide leadership order make cities communities better places live work raise families without usurping rightful local authority replacing individual responsibility stifling private initiative immigration victims communist tyranny hungary brought shores time country working assist refugees tyranny cuba since 1953 waiting period naturalization applicants reduced 18 months 45 days administration also made legislative recommendations liberalize existing restrictions upon immigration still safeguarding national interest imperative immigration policy finest american tradition providing oppressed peoples fully accord obligation leader free world veterans discharging nation obligation veterans past eight years readjustment world war ii veterans completed five million korean conflict veterans assisted achieving successful readjustment civilian life increases compensation benefits eligible veterans service connected disabilities higher connected pension benefits needy veterans greatly improved benefits survivors veterans dying result service authorization presidential directive increase number beds available sick disabled veterans development 900 million construction program modernize improve veterans hospitals new modern techniques brought administration veterans affairs provide highest quality service possible defended us conclusion concluding final message congress fitting look back first aims ideals set forth february 2 1953 use america influence world affairs advance peace justice conduct affairs executive branch integrity efficiency encourage creative initiative economy work toward attainment equality opportunity citizens equally honored commitment pursue attain specific objectives among stated eight years ago strengthening mutual security program development world trade commerce ending hostilities korea creation powerful deterrent force practicing fiscal responsibility checking menace inflation reducing tax burden providing effective internal security program developing conserving natural resources reducing governmental interference affairs farmer strengthening improving services department labor vigilant guarding civil social fights close message implying well problems solved progress implies new continuing problems unlike presidential administrations problems rarely terminal dates abroad continuing communist threat freedom berlin explosive situation laos problems caused communist penetration cuba well many problems connected development new nations africa areas particular call delicate handling constant review home several conspicuous problems remain promoting higher levels employment special emphasis areas heavy unemployment persisted continuing provide steady economic growth preserving sound currency bringing balance payments reasonable equilibrium continuing high level confidence national international systems eliminating heavily excessive surpluses farm commodities overcoming deficiencies health educational programs goal always add spiritual moral material strength nation believe done process must never end let us pray leaders near distant future able keep nation strong peace advance people lead us still higher moral standards achieving goals maintain reasonable balance private governmental responsibility dwight eisenhower
congress united state constitutional duty assess state union previous occasion past eight year outline forward course design achieve mutual objective well america world peace time function different american people free election select new leadership soon entrust management government new president shortly lay proposal shape future great land every citizen whatever political belief prayerfully extend best wish good health wisdom success cop problem confront nation part like first express congress appreciation devotion common good friendship difficult year carry pleasant memory association endeavor profoundly significant people lengthy period control executive legislative branch government divide two great political party difference course particularly domestic affair united determination keep nation strong free utilize vast resource advancement mankind carry america unprecedented height cooperative achievement thank american people congress party support program interest country also like give special thanks devote service associate executive branch hundred thousand career employee implement diverse government program second purpose review briefly record past eight year hope sum experience lesson emerge useful nation support review detail report several agency department shortly available congress throughout world year since 1953 period profound change human problem world grow acute hour hour yet new gain science technology continually extend promise well life people yearn free govern yet third people world freedom govern world recognize catastrophic nature nuclear war yet see wondrous potential nuclear peace period united state forge ahead constructive foreign policy continue goal peace liberty others well aspiration people one peace justice freedom peace attain collectively people everywhere unite determination liberty come mankind yet work advance national aspiration freedom divisive force work divert aspiration dangerous channel communist movement throughout world exploit natural strive free attempt subjugate men rather free activity cause continue grave trouble world home time careful adjustment economy artificial impetus hot war constructive growth precarious peace build new economic vitality without inflation also increase public expenditure keep abreast need grow population attendant new problem well add international responsibility work toward end context share responsibility conscious need maximum scope private effort state local well federal governmental action success design execute national purpose domestically abroad come steadfast resolution integrity operation government relation fully maintain way could spiritual goal fully advanced foreign policy january 20 1953 take office united state war since sign korean armistice 1953 americans live peace highly troubled time 1956 suez crisis united state government strongly support united nation action result end hostility egypt 1958 peace preserve middle east despite new discord government respond request friendly lebanese government military help promptly withdraw american force soon situation stabilize 1958 support republic china bombardment quemoy restrain communist chinese attempt invade island although unhappily communist penetration cuba real pose serious threat communist dominate regime deposed guatemala iran occupation austria end trieste question settle despite constant threat integrity west berlin remain free important advance make build mutual security arrangement lie heart hop future peace security world southeast asia treaty organization establish nato alliance militarily strengthen organization american state develop instrument cooperation anzus treaty strengthen tie australia new zealand mutual security treaty japan sign addition cento pact conclude officially member alliance participate closely deliberation atom peace proposal united nation lead creation international atomic energy agency policy push enforceable program inspection surprise attack suspension nuclear test arm reduction peaceful use out space united nation vigorously support action include condemnation wholesale murder people tibet chinese communist brutal soviet repression people hungary well recent un action congo united state take initiative negotiating significant treaty guarantee peaceful use vast antarctica united state information agency transform greatly improve medium explain policy action audience overseas answer lie communist propaganda project clear image american life culture cultural technological educational exchange soviet union encourage comprehensive agreement make authorize among thing distribution russian language magazine amerika highly successful american exhibition moscow country continue withhold recognition communist china oppose vigorously admission belligerent unrepentant nation unite nation red china yet demonstrate deserves consider nation communist imperialism hold check constructive action undertake strengthen economy free world nation united states government give sturdy support economic technical assistance activity un country stimulate double capital world bank 50 percent capital increase international monetary fund development loan fund international development association establish united state also take lead create development bank vice president nixon secretary state dulles herter travel extensively world purpose strengthen peace freedom international understanding reward visit success become significant factor cause soviet union wreck plan summit conference 1960 vital program must go new tactic develop course meet new situation underlying principle constant great moral material commitment collective security deterrence force international law negotiation lead agreement economic interdependence free nation remain cornerstone foreign policy ultimately bring permanent peace justice freedom mankind continue need free nation today recognize clearly essentiality unbreakable bond among base upon complete dedication principle collective security effective cooperation peace justice national defense first time nation history consistently maintain peacetime military force magnitude sufficient deter need destroy predatory force world tremendous advance strategic weapon system make past eight year 1953 expenditures ballistic missile program even much million dollar year today spend ten time much day program spend 1952 guide ballistic missile operational beginning 1953 today many type give arm force unprecedented effectiveness explosive power weapon system purpose almost inconceivable today united state operational atlas missile strike target 5000 mile away polaris weapon system become operational last fall titan schedule become year next year year ahead schedule vastly improve icbm solid propellant minuteman expect ready squadron accurate intermediate range ballistic missile operational thor jupiter irbms base forward area hit target 1500 mile away 18 minute aircraft fly speed faster sound still developmental stage eight year ago today american fighting plane go twice speed sound either medium range jet bomber long range jet bomber carry explosive power use combatant world war ii ally axis combine eight year ago ship today 49 nuclear warship authorize 14 commission include three revolutionary polaris submarine nuclear submarine cruise north pole circumnavigate earth submerge sea warfare revolutionize united state far away leader tactical air unit overseas aircraft carrier alert army unit guard frontier freedom europe far east high state readiness peacetime history marine third deploy far east constantly prepared action reserve establishment maintain high standard proficiency ready reserve number 2 ½ million department defense young still evolve organization twice improve line command shorten order meet demand modern warfare major reorganization provide effective structure unify plan direction vast defense establishment gradual improvement structure procedure expect united state civil defense nonmilitary defense capacity greatly strengthen activity consolidate one federal agency defense force ally number five million men several thousand combatant ship aircraft program strengthen ally consistently support administration military assistance go almost exclusively friendly nation rim communist world american contribution nation defend freedom insufficient mean vigorously continue combined ally free world far strong shield could provide alone since 1953 defense policy base assumption international situation would require heavy defense expenditures indefinite period come probably year protract struggle good management dictate resist overspend resolutely oppose every dollar uselessly spent military mechanism decrease total strength therefore security must return psychology past new feint communist respond panic bomber gap several year ago always fiction missile gap show every sign nation ill afford abandon national policy provide fully adequate steady level effort design long pull fast adjustment new scientific technological advance balance force strength deter general war effectively meet local situation retaliate attack destroy attacker strengthen system free world collective security economy expand american economy pass dollar mark gross national product early 1960 nation output good service nearly 25 percent high 1952 1959 average american family income 15 percent high dollar constant buying power 1952 real wage american factory worker rise 20 percent past eight year facts reflect rise standard individual family enjoy american nation benefit also remarkable improvement general industrial peace strengthen process free collective bargaining time lose since 1952 strike half lose eight year prior date legislation require union member opportunity full participation affair union administration support act believe greatly helpful vast bulk american labor leader also major step get racketeer gangster affair economic security work men woman strengthen extension unemployment insurance coverage million million federal employee million employee small business strengthen railroad unemployment insurance act state encourage improve unemployment compensation benefit today average weekly benefit 40 percent high 1953 determine effort improve worker safety standard enforceable safety standard establish longshoreman ship repair worker federal safety council increase 14 100 safety award initiate national construction safety program develop major factor strengthen competitive enterprise system promote economic growth vigorous enforcement antitrust law last eight year continue effort reduce artificial restraint competition trade enhance economic liberty purpose also significantly advanced 1953 one first act administration restrictive wage price control end additional measure strengthen american system competitive enterprise creation small business administration 1953 assist exist small business encourage new one agency approve 1 billion loan initiated new program provide capital small business aid set aside 3½ billion government contract award small business concern bring attention individual businessmen program information education new development management production technique since 1952 important tax revision make encourage small business many major improvement nation transportation system make long year debate dream great lawrence seaway open heartland america ocean commerce fulfil new federal aviation agency foster great safety air travel large public construction program history mile national system interstate defense highway push rapidly forward percent system open traffic effort help every american build well life include also vigorous program expand trade nation renewal reciprocal trade agreement act passed 1958 continue reward effort make persuade country remove restriction export new export expansion program launch 1960 inaugurate improvement export credit insurance broaden research information program awaken american business opportunity overseas action generally prosperous condition abroad help push america export trade level 20 billion 1960 although intermittent decline economic activity persist problem enterprise system recent downturn moderate short duration however little room complacency currently economy operate high level unemployment rate higher u would like chronic pocket high unemployment persist clearly continue sound broadly share economic growth remain major national objective toward must strive joint private public effort government continue work assure every american full opportunity develop utilize ability talent perform one vital function advance welfare protect dignity right freedom americans government finance administration january 1953 consumer dollar worth 52 cent term food clothing shelter item would buy compare 1939 today inflationary spiral raise cost living 36 percent 1946 1952 cease value dollar virtually stabilized 1954 large tax cut history amount billion annually 62 percent go individual mostly small income bracket administration direct constant effort toward fiscal responsibility balance budget sought economy advance rigorous evaluation spending program maintain time resort deficit financing prosperous time could easily erode international confidence dollar contribute inflation home belief shall submit balanced budget fiscal 1962 congress next week firm policy reduce government competition private enterprise result discontinuance commercial industrial installation addition curtailment approximately 550 industrial installation operate directly government agency also aggressive surplus disposal program carry identify dispose unneeded real property result addition substantial number valuable property local tax roll significant monetary return government earnest persistent attempt make strengthen position state local government thereby stop dangerous drift toward centralization governmental power washington significant stride make increase effectiveness government important new agency establish department health education welfare federal aviation agency national aeronautics space administration council economic adviser reconstitute operation postal system modernize get well efficient service modernize handle local mail brings delivery 168 million people population center expand carrier service accommodate million family grow suburbs million family add rural delivery service common sense dictate postal service basis concept train dedicated government career service strengthen provision life health insurance benefit vastly improve retirement system new merit promotion program first effective incentive award program sacrifice efficiency federal civilian employment since 1953 reduced quarter million person deeply gratify urging administration alaska hawaii become 49th 50th state agriculture despite difficulty administer congressional program apply outmoded prescription aggravate rather solve problem past eight year bring notable advance agriculture total agricultural asset approximately 200 billion 36 billion eight year farm owner equity near record high 174 billion farm ownership record high few farmer tenant sharecropper status time nation history program demonstrate surplus american food fiber effectively use feed clothe needy abroad aid humanitarian program total agricultural export grow billion 1953 average 4 billion annually past three year 1960 export estimate billion high volume record program large wheat transaction history consummate india 1960 problem farm family receive systematic attention first time rural development program program go forward 39 state yield high income well live rural people need rural electrification administration help meet grow demand power telephone agricultural area percent farm central station electric power dependence upon federal financing longer necessary farm credit administration make independent agency responsive farmer need search new us farm abundance develop new crop current need make major progress agricultural research appropriation increase 171 percent since 1953 farmer save approximately 80 million year repeal 1956 federal tax gasoline use tractor machinery since 1953 appropriation double county agent home agent extension service eligibility social security benefit extend farmer family yet certain aspect agricultural surplus situation increasingly grave example wheat stock total billion bushel harvest one bushel wheat come year would still could eat could sell abroad could give away still substantial carryover extraordinary cost involve management disposal burdensome surplus obviously important adjustment must still come congress must enact additional legislation permit wheat farm commodity move regular marketing channel orderly manner time afford need price protection farmer agriculture free sound profitable natural resource new emphasis place care national park ten year development program national park system mission 66 initiated acre park land add since 1953 appropriation fish wildlife operation double new refuge contain acre add national wildlife management system nation forest improve rapid rate history large sustain effort water resource development history take place field reclamation alone 50 new project project unit authorize since 1953 include billion dollar colorado river storage project project complete storage capacity nearly 43 million increase 50 percent bureau reclamation storage capacity addition since 1953 450 new navigation flood control multiple purpose project corps engineer start cost nearly 6 billion dollar soil water conservation advance never one hundred project construct watershed protection program hydroelectric power impressively developed policy recognize job do require comprehensive development federal state local government private enterprise teamwork essential achieve objective federal columbia river power system grown two multipurpose dam million kilowatt capacity 17 multipurpose project complete construction ultimate instal capacity million kilowatt year negotiation columbia river storage development agreement canada open way early realization unparalleled power flood control resource conservation benefit pacific northwest treaty implement agreement shortly submit senate farsighted highly successful program meeting urgent water need card convert salt water fresh water 75 percent reduction cost process already realize continuous resource development essential expand economy must continue vigorous combine federal state private program time preserve maximum extent possible natural scenic heritage future generation education science technology national defense education act 1958 already milestone history american education provide broad opportunity intellectual development child strengthen course study science mathematics foreign language develop new graduate program train additional teacher provide loan young people need financial help go college administration propose numerous occasion broad new program federal aid help overcome classroom shortage public elementary secondary school recommendation also make give assistance college university construction academic residential building meet future enrollment increase administration greatly expand federal loan build dormitory student teacher nurse train program assist construction approximately living accommodation past 8 year vigorous acceleration health resource education program design advance role american indian society last fall example 91 percent indian child age 6 18 reservation enrol school rise 12 percent since 1953 field science technology startle stride make new national aeronautics space administration little two year nasa successfully launch meteorological satellite tiros tiros ii promise revolutionize method weather forecast demonstrate feasibility satellite global communication successful launch echo produce enormous amount valuable scientific data discovery van allen radiation belt successfully launch probe maintain communication great range man ever track make real progress toward goal man space flight achievement unquestionably make u preeminent today space exploration betterment mankind believe present organizational arrangement area revision propose last year completely adequate task ahead american look forward new achievement space exploration near future hold wonder orbital flight astronaut land instrument moon launch powerful giant saturn rocket vehicle reconnaissance mar venus unmanned vehicle application atomic energy industry agriculture medicine progress hope experiment reality american industry agriculture make increase use radioisotope improve manufacture test atomic energy improve ability heal profession combat disease hold promise eventual increase man life span education science technology balance program every roadway progress appropriate federal support state locality assure opportunity achieve excellence level educational system federal government continue give wholehearted support basic scientific research technology expect maintain position leadership world civil right first consequential federal civil right legislation 85 year enact congress recommendation administration 1957 1960 new civil right division department justice already move enforce constitutional right area vote elimination jim crow law great equality job opportunity federal employment employment federal contractor effectively provide president committee government contract government employment practice civil right commission undertaken important survey field housing vote education segregation abolish armed force veteran hospital federal employment throughout district columbia administratively accomplish progress field unmatched america recent history pioneer work civil right must go discrimination morally wrong also impact national health welfare federal medical research expenditure increase fourfold since 1954 vast variety approach know medical science explore find good method treatment prevention major disease particularly heart diseases cancer mental illness control air water pollution greatly strengthen american great protection harmful unclean misrepresent food drug cosmetic strengthen food drug administration new legislation require food additive prove safe human consumption use newly establish federal radiation council along department health education welfare analyze coordinate information regard radiological activity affect public health medical manpower increase federal grant teach research construction new medical facility step extend include nurse home diagnostic treatment center rehabilitation facility vocational rehabilitation program significantly expand handicapped people rehabilitate annually able earn live dignity new legislation provide well medical care needy age include old person otherwise need help meet health care cost administration recommend major expansion effort coverage social security act broaden since 1953 make 11 million additional people eligible retirement disability survivor benefit dependent social security benefit substantially improve grant state maternal child welfare service increase state aid federal grant assist 6 million needy people program old age assistance aid dependent child aid blind aid totally permanently disabled housing urban development house build past eight year nine million previous eight year history historic new approach urban renewal replaces piecemeal thrust slum pocket urban blight community engage urban renewal double renewal project triple since 1953 estimate 68 project 50 city complete end current fiscal year another 577 project underway plan 310 process total 2 billion federal grant ultimately require finance 955 project new program initiate provide good housing elderly people approximately unit especially design elderly build start approve past three year first time federal help 90 metropolitan area urban region 1140 small town throughout country make comprehensive development plan future growth development american community help plan water sanitation system school plan advance 1600 public work project construction cost nearly 2 billion mortgage insurance individual home greatly expand past eight year federal housing administration alone insure 2½ million home mortgage value 27 billion addition insure ten million property improvement loan federal government must continue provide leadership order make city community well place live work raise family without usurp rightful local authority replace individual responsibility stifle private initiative immigration victim communist tyranny hungary brought shore time country work assist refugee tyranny cuba since 1953 wait period naturalization applicant reduce 18 month 45 day administration also make legislative recommendation liberalize exist restriction upon immigration still safeguard national interest imperative immigration policy fine american tradition provide oppressed people fully accord obligation leader free world veteran discharge nation obligation veteran past eight year readjustment world war ii veteran complete five million korean conflict veteran assist achieve successful readjustment civilian life increase compensation benefit eligible veteran service connect disability higher connect pension benefit needy veteran greatly improve benefit survivor veteran die result service authorization presidential directive increase number bed available sick disable veteran development 900 million construction program modernize improve veteran hospital new modern technique bring administration veteran affair provide high quality service possible defend u conclusion conclude final message congress fit look back first aim ideal set forth february 2 1953 use america influence world affair advance peace justice conduct affair executive branch integrity efficiency encourage creative initiative economy work toward attainment equality opportunity citizens equally honored commitment pursue attain specific objective among state eight year ago strengthen mutual security program development world trade commerce end hostility korea creation powerful deterrent force practice fiscal responsibility check menace inflation reduce tax burden provide effective internal security program develop conserve natural resource reduce governmental interference affair farmer strengthen improve service department labor vigilant guard civil social fight close message imply well problem solve progress implies new continue problem unlike presidential administration problem rarely terminal date abroad continue communist threat freedom berlin explosive situation lao problem cause communist penetration cuba well many problem connect development new nation africa area particular call delicate handle constant review home several conspicuous problem remain promote high level employment special emphasis area heavy unemployment persist continue provide steady economic growth preserve sound currency bring balance payment reasonable equilibrium continue high level confidence national international system eliminate heavily excessive surplus farm commodity overcome deficiency health educational program goal always add spiritual moral material strength nation believe do process must never end let u pray leader near distant future able keep nation strong peace advance people lead u still higher moral standard achieve goal maintain reasonable balance private governmental responsibility dwight eisenhower