Masonry Magazine January 1967 Page. 63
Washington Wire
CONGRESS MAY HAVE TO VOTE FOR HIGHER POSTAL RATES to slash the $1.2 billion Post Office Department deficit and the over-all Budget deficit too. First, second, and third-class rates may go up. (Parcel Post rose in 1966.) The need for cash would overcome Congress' usual reluctance to annoy voters.
LABOR LEGISLATION WILL AGAIN BE LISTED on Congress' agenda at this session. But the action that is finally taken is likely to be minimal this year, just as it was in 1966. Repeal of the "right-to- work" clause-if it gets to a vote is likely to be beaten again. Any expansion of unemployment compensation-incorporating Federal standards-faces strong opposition, too. The President will not be giving these two measures much support in 1967.
Other labor measures that may be considered include:
-New anti-strike power which could pass if unrest develops.
-Tighter regulations of pension funds which will be studied... early vesting, especially... perhaps for action next year.
MERGING THE COMMERCE AND LABOR DEPARTMENTS HAS LITTLE CHANCE to pass in Congress this year. Each agency has become too closely identified with its special constituency. Neither unions nor business groups would feel very happy at the possibility that their interests might be subordinated to the other's. The legislators will not be very eager to handle this hot potato.
EXTENSION OF THE DRAFT WILL BE AMONG BILLS CERTAIN TO PASS this year. The considerable public interest being demonstrated has sparked plans for intensive public hearings, to supplement the conclusions of the President's study panel. The law will be renewed before its expiration on June 30, with changes. But the changes will not be as substantial as some have proposed. There'll be no lottery or universal service. It will still be "selective."
YOU WILL HEAR A LOT OF TALK ABOUT AIR POLLUTION this year. It is now recognized as a major national problem. Extensive hearings are likely to be held. And some legislation may possibly be enacted. It seems almost certain to prescribe the setting of standards to reduce the contamination. Any new requirements will, of course, require expenditures for
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