us president herbert hoover called for a special session of the united states congress in july 1930, to ratify the terms of the london treaty. with congress ratifing the treaty on july 21, the navy and congress had the expectation that the navy would be built up to the treaty limits. it was soon realized by adm pratt that with the worsening economy and pacifist president hoover, the construction of new or replacement ships would be severely limited. that december, adm pratt reported to congress that the buildup to the treaty limits would not be able to occur before 1936, and would cost in excess of $1 billion, if authorized. even woresening economic conditions and concern with the 1932 national elections, the fate of naval construction in the us was sealed. not a single new ship was authorized for construction during hoover's presidential term, he even cut the limited funds that had been appropriated for construction in fiscal year 1932, suspended all construction in fiscal year 1933, and compelled the navy to reduce operational expenses severely.