plans for the economic rehabilitation in the 10State Appalachian region. As the proposed legislation emerged from the Congress in 1964, the President promptly enacted it into law. Increased Federal aid to libraries was made available on February 11; Federal income taxes were ordered reduced on February 26, and a revised farm subsidy bill was enacted on April 11. In a televised ceremony at the White House on July 1, the President signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. On July 9 he signed the Urban Mass Transportation bill providing Federal grants of $375 million to rehabilitate bus. train, and subway systems for urban commuters. Federal assistance to State food programs for needy families was provided by legislation enacted August 31. Two days later. $1.1 billion was made available for Federal housing and urban renewal programs. On September 3. 9.1 million acres in the United States were set aside as a permanent national wilderness system. In the field of outer space exploration, Johnson obtained funds to lay the groundwork for outer space flights, including the Apollo project to land men on the moon and return them to earth. In foreign affairs, Johnson met with foreign leaders of Great Britain, Mexico, the Philippines, and Germany. He strengthened the Alliance for Progress programs of the Latin American countries and restated the rights of the Western powers in Germany and Berlin: and he reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the defense of Southeast Asia under the SEATO treaty. The Congress approved $3.4 billion for continuance of the foreign aid program. The President ordered retaliatory attacks against North Vietnam by reason of torpedo assaults on U.S. ships in the Gulf of Tonkin and the Congress authorized $125 million in economic and military aid to South Vietnam. In November 1964, President Johnson was reelected to the U.S. Presidency, along with Hubert H. Humphrey as the Vice President. 1965-Lyndon Baines Johnson and Hubert Horatio Humphrey took the oath of office of President and In his second annual message to the Congress, on "We are there, first, because a friendly nation "Second, our own security is tied to the peace of Asia. Twice in one generation we have had to fight against aggression in the Far East. To ignore aggression would only increase the danger of a larger war. "Our goal is peace in southeast Asia. That will come only when aggressors leave their neighbors in peace. "What is at stake is the cause of freedom. In that cause we shall never be found wanting." The year 1965 witnessed an increasingly larger buildup of U.S. military strength in Vietnam. At the same time, President Johnson announced the willingness of the United States to open diplomatic discussions to end the conflict, and he solicited the support of the United Nations in pressing efforts to bring about a peace in Vietnam. To the free republics of Latin America, Johnson pledged his support of continuing aid for the Alliance for Progress "as the instrument of our war against poverty and injustice in this hemisphere." On September 24, he announced that agreement had been reached with Panama to bring it into partnership in connection with the United States operation of the canal. In his state of the Union message, the President voiced the goals of his domestic legislative program which he termed "The Great Society." As a means of giving farmers "the opportunity to earn a fair reward", a 4-year omnibus farm program was enacted (Food and Agricultural Act of 1965) lowering support prices but providing for cash subsidies for certain basic commodities. Congress approved the President's proposal for funds to study high-speed rail transportation between urban centers, beginning with test projects between Boston and Washington. Ninety million dollars were provided for a 3-year study program on this subject. At Independence, Mo., President Johnson signed into law the Social Security Amendments of 1965. Popularly known as "Medicare" this act provides health insurance to persons over 65. By other legislation, the Older Americans Act of 1965, training programs for the aged were established. By the Voting Rights Act of 1965, literacy tests were suspended and Federal registration of voters was authorized in all States and localities where less than 50 percent of the voting age population was registered or had voted in November 1964. (On July 2, 1965, a provision of the Civil Rights Law of 1964 came into effect, prohibiting discrimi nation against minority groups in employment practices. The poll tax was abolished on February 4, 1964, when the 24th amendment became a part of the U.S. Constitution.) Standing before the Statue of Liberty on October 3, 1965, President Johnson abolished the U.S. immigration quota system, which had been in effect since 1924. New criteria were established for admission to the United States, with priorities given to close relatives of residents of the United States, artists, scientists, and other professional and skilled workers. Aid was authorized for primary and secondary public schools serving low income families (Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965), and scholarships and Federal-guaranteed loans were provided for needy college students (Higher Education Act of 1965). "Greatness requires not only an educated people but a healthy people." Following the President's recommendations, Federal grants were authorized to aid development and operation of regional programs related to heart disease, cancer, stroke, and other major diseases. Also authorized was mental health research. The President proposed, and the Congress approved, the creation of a Department of Housing and Urban Development to give particular attention to the housing needs of the Nation. The Omnibus Housing Act of 1965, among other things, provided for Federal rent subsidies for low income tenants of new housing projects operated by nonprofit organizations and provided grants to rehabilitate residences of low income owners. Toward a "more beautiful America", legislation was enacted outlawing advertising in interstate and primary highway systems. Programs for the study of water resources and for effective methods of preventing pollution were also instituted. To promote and honor creative achievements there was established the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities. Also during the year, the President obtained legislation for the first major change in coinage alloys since 1792. Research grants were authorized to the extent of $7 million for crime prevention and it was made a Federal offense to assassinate, kidnap, or assault the President of the United States or the officer next in line for the Presidency. On July 9, 1965, a constitutional amendment was transmitted to the States for ratification providing for succession in the event of Presidential disability. As the year 1965 closed, the country witnessed great progress in the space program, including outer space probes sending back to earth photographs of Mars, the Gemini spacecraft flights, and the live television broadcast by President Johnson over the Early Bird, the world's first communication satellite. 1966-In his third annual message to the Congress, the President announced that the United States will stay in Vietnam "until aggression has stopped." Further, the President stated: "We have also made it clear from Hanoi to New York that there are no arbitrary limits to our search for peace. We stand by the Geneva Agreements of 1954 and 1962. We will meet at any conference table. We will disand we will consider cuss any proposals * the views of any group. We will work for a cease fire now, or once discussions have begun. We will respond if others reduce their use of force and we will withdraw our soldiers once South Vietnam is securely guaranteed the right to shape its own future." By the end of the year, over 1.1 million men, representing seven nations, were committed to the defense of South Vietnam, approximately 381,000 from the United States. The President expressed his belief that "we can continue the Great Society while we fight in Vietnam." Much of the legislation he requested for his domestic programs was approved by the Congress. Taking steps towards the goal of "a decent home for every American family" $1.3 billion in pilot projects were authorized for 60 or more U.S. cities to clear slums and later carry out urban renewal. For the purpose of efficiency and to better serve the needs of the Nation, the President obtained legislation on October 15, to bring together 35 transportation agencies of the Federal Government which deal with air, rail, and road travel. This resulted in a Cabinet-level post headed by the the Secretary of the new Department of Transportation. Following the President's recommendation to "attack the wasteful and degrading poisoning of our rivers, and as the cornerstone of this effort clean completely entire large river basins", the Congress approved the expenditure of $3.6 billion for this program. In addition, the Congress also ap proved the Clean Air bill which provided for the establishment of standards for vehicle emission of air pollutants and prohibition of sale of vehicles not meeting standards. The Elementary and Secondary School Act of 1965 was extended another 2 years, with an in- The President called for authority "to prevent the Attacking the problem of hunger in foreign lands, the President was given funds to finance a $5.6 billion, 2-year "Food for Peace" program. 1967-The war in Vietnam continued to absorb a large part of the Nation's effort and attention. Early in the year, the President reiterated in strong terms his refusal to stop the bombing of North Vietnam without some reciprocal reduction of military action by the North Vietnamese. The President traveled to Guam for high-level talks with South Vietnamese leaders; he visited the troops in South Vietnam; he stepped up troop strength in that country from 380,000 to approximately 500,000 and he made additional efforts to negotiate with the North Vietnamese. At Punta del Este, Uruguay, the President and all the other member heads of the Organization of American States (with the exception of Ecuador) signed the Declaration of the Presidents of Amer ica, containing plans for a Latin American common market. In the course of the year he also met with other foreign leaders, including Premier Kosygin at Glassboro, N.J. President Johnson secured enactment of major leg islation raising social security benefits by 13 percent and he secured substantial funding for major programs related to foreign aid, education, and the war on poverty. A wide range of other legislation was also signed into law. Funds were provided for a start on the air pollu tion program, for a peacetime atomic energy pro gram, extension of the Civil Rights Commission (a research study group); a reorganization plan to make the District of Columbia Government more representative went into effect; a program to desalt sea water was started; and measures were passed to enlarge the activities of community mental health centers and to attack the problems of mental retardation. Funds were provided to start the President's "Model Cities" program and for rent subsidies to low income families; the Peace Corps was extended and a railroad strike was ended by reason of a special law which required compulsory arbitration. The Nation's space program was given substantial financial aid, particularly the Apollo project of landing men on the moon. As part of this project. on November 7, 1967, a successful launching was made of the Saturn V rocket, carrying the unmanned Apollo 4 spacecraft, the heaviest and most powerful weapon ever fired. Prototypes for two supersonic transport planes were placed under construction; the Selective Service Act was extended for another 4 years, and a corporation was established to help finance educational TV and radio programs. On February 10, 1967, the 25th amendment to the Constitution went into effect, providing for a clear line of presidential succession, should the Presi dent become disabled. 1968-In the last year of President Johnson's term of office, much of his long-range domestic legislative program was completed. On April 11, 1968, the President signed into law the first open housing legislation enacted since Reconstruction days. Becoming fully effective in 1970, this act prohibits discrimination in the sale or rental of about 80 percent of all housing. On June 19, 1968, the President signed the broadest anticrime legislation ever enacted, providing grants to law enforcement agencies for police training and research. An additional measure was enacted later in the year placing the same restrictions on long guns and ammunition that were placed on the handguns by the June 19, 1968, act. A far reaching national housing and urban development program for new and rehabilitated housing to replace substandard housing of low income families was enacted on August 1. Regional medical programs for heart disease, cancer and stroke were authorized for continuance for another 2 years. Also extended were Federal Vocational education programs For the purpose of promoting the efficiency and effectiveness of Federal grants-in-aid for State administered programs, the Congress completed action on the Intergovernmental Cooperation bill which was enacted into law in October, 1968. 1969 -On January 14, 1969, President Johnson delivered a farewell address to the Congress and to the Nation, in which he stated: "I hope it may be said, a hundred years from Tax Cut and Reform February 26, 1964, 78 Stat. 19. Mass Transportation July 9, 1964, 78 Stat. 302. Poverty Program --August 20, 1964, 78 Stat. 508. Wilderness System September 3, 1964, 78 Stat. 890. Education (NDEA, Impacted Areas) October 16, 1964, 78 Stat. 1100. Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965--March 9, 1965, 79. Stat. 5. Elementary and Secondary Education - April 11, 1965, 79 Stat. 27. Medicare- July 30, 1965, 79 Stat. 286. Voting Rights August 6, 1965, 79 Stat. 437. Mental Health Research and Facilities- August 9, 1965, 79 Stat. 448. Omnibus Housing Act (Including rent supplements, and low and moderate income housing)-August 10, 1965, 79 Stat. 451. Presidential Assassination August 28, 1965, 79 Stat. 580. Department of Housing and Urban Development September 9, 1963, 79 Stat. 667. Law Enforcement Assistance Act of 1965 September 21, 1965, 79 Stat. 827. Arts and Humanities Foundation September 29, 1965, 79 Stat. 845. High Speed Ground Transportation September 30, 1965, 79 Stat. 893. Water Pollution Control October 2, 1965, 79 Stat. 903. Highway Beautification October 22, 1965, 79 Stat. 1028. Minimum Wage Increase September 23, 1966, 80 Stat. 830. Water Pollution Control November 3, 1966, 80 Stat. 1246. Fair Packaging and Labeling Act November 3, 1966, 80 Stat. 1296. Narcotics Rehabilitation November 8, 1966, 80 Stat. 1438. Higher Education Act of 1965, Amendment to June 29, 1967. 81 Stat. 81. Air Quality Act of 1967-November 21, 1967, 81 Stat. 485. Consumer Credit Protection (Truth in Lending) Act-May 9, 1968, 82 Stat. 146. Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 June 19, 1968, 82 Stat. 197. Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 August 1, 1968, 82 Stat. 876. Amendment to the Public Health Service Act-October 15, 1968, 82 Stat. 1005. Intergovernmental Cooperation Act-October 16, 1968, 82 Stat. 1098. Higher Education Amendments of 1968-October 16, 1968, 82 Stat. 1014. Vocational Education Amendments of 1968-October 16, 1968, 82 Stat. 1064. Gun Control Act of 1968-October 22, 1968, 82 Stat. 1213. By Frank Gasparro RICHARD M. NIXON 1913 Born January 9, 1913, in Yorba Linda. (alit, the son of Francis and Hannah Milhous Nixon. Of pioneer American ancestry who had migrated to New England from Ireland before the American Revolution, and went on to the west coast by way of Indiana and Ohio. 1919 Attended public schools. Whittier, Calif: graduated in 1931 with an A.B. degree from Whittier College where he majored in history 1934 With the aid of a scholarship to the newly formed Duke University Law School. Durham, NC. Nixon was granted the LL. B. degree with honors. 1937 -Admitted to the California State bar. Vixon practiced law in Whittier. Calif.. with a part-time position of city attorney. Married in 1940 to Patricia Ryan, daughter of a Nevada miner, who had worked her way through the University of Southern California and was a schoolteacher in Whittier. They have two children, Patricia Mrs. Edward Finch Cox) and Julie (Mrs. Dwight David Eisenhower II. From January to August, 1942, served as an attorney with the Office of Price Administration. 1942-Volunteered for military service and was commis sioned a lieutenant junior grade in the U.S. Vaval Reserve on August 17, 1942. Following his appointment. Nixon had aviation indoctrination training at the Naval Air Station. Quonset Point, RI, and duty at the Naval Reserve Aviation Base. Ottuma, Iowa. He then reported to Commander. Air Force, US. Pach Fleet and was assigned as Officer-in-Charge of the South Pache Combat Air Transport Command at Guadalcanal and later at Green Island. For his services he was awarded two commendations and earned two engagement stars for supporting air action in Treasury-Bougainville operations October 2. December 15, 1913) and |