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dure would have to be worked out, but I am confident that the problem is not insurmountable. Certainly the arguments in favor of facilitating the purchase of Federal surplus property by the State and local governments are so overwhelming as to merit passage.

STATEMENT OF HON. CLYDE DOYLE, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, first, let me thank you for the courtesy extended me by reason of your allowing me to make this appearance and statement before your worthy committee on what I think is one of the most important series of bills being considered in this 85th Congress. I refer to the several bills to amend the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to permit the donation and other disposal of property to tax-supported public recreation agencies, including the bill I was pleased to author, H. R. 7067.

Second, and before I briefly discuss the matter of these bills relating to the disposal of both personal, and real property as well, to tax-supported recreation areas, I wish to respectfully submit for your earnest consideration two factors which I believe are basic and necessary for you to consider in connection with these bills: (1) That these bills restrict the donation of Federal or personal real property to tax-supported public recreation agencies. In other words, any donation or disposal of real or personal property under these bills is limited to tax-supported public recreation agencies. In other words, Mr. Chairman, the personal and real property now owned and possessed by the Federal Government and concerned under these bills was, no doubt, purchased and paid for and acquired by the Federal Government as a result of the payment of taxes in the first instance by taxpayers at the grassroots of local government throughout our beloved Nation. Therefore, it being a fact that when these bills permit the donation and other disposal of personal and real property acquired and purchased by the Federal Government, this very same personal and real property concerned in these bills thus purchased by taxpaying dollars of citizens throughout our Nation, is proposed to be donated and disposed of directly back to these same tax-supporting citizens at the local level of government and through and to the use of their own local public recreation agencies. These bills, therefore, propose what appears to be crystal clear to me as a clear and sensible and sound method of turning back for a worthy and necessary use the very property which was previously paid for by these same taxpaying citizens.

These same people who paid their tax dollars so that Uncle Sam could purchase this property, and since Uncle Sam is through with it, are now asking the return of that used property so they can make further legitimate and sound use thereof. Having thus reminded you of this essential consideration, I now remind you that a proper pronunciation of recreation is re-creation. In other words, the agencies whom this bill would permit Uncle Sam to donate to are not only taxsupported public agencies, but they are tax-supported recreation agencies. And I emphasize for the purpose of this discussion that Mr. Webster, in his definition of "recreation" defines it as meaning "to create anew; to give fresh life to; reanimate; to refresh after toil or anxiety; refreshment of strength and spirit after toil." Therefore, Mr. Chairman and committee members, the public taxpaying agencies to which Uncle Sam would be authorized to donate personal and real property under these bills supply and make available to the taxpaying public at the local level of government and daily experience one of the prime factors and necessities of life: to wit, the opportunity for individuals and groups and masses of humankind to recreate themselves as defined by Mr. Webster. Neither as Mr. Webster defines it, nor as I use it, does recreation mean merely to play or be entertained or amused. The term "recreate," as these days put into practice and application in the recreation agencies and departments of our State, county, and municipal recreation departments and agencies, means to rebuild, to refresh, to renew strength and spirit; to rebuild after toil, to rebuild preparatory to toil and work and the performance of duties. Furthermore, the term "recreation" means to increase individual and group participation in recreational activities. The term "public recreation" looks to the reduction of the bleacher population in the reviewing stands or the bleachers. The term "public recreation" looks to participation by thousands of American citizens in recreational activities instead of just the development of a few experts or stars in given games or arts. The public recreational agency which is equipped and financed by the taxpayers adequately not only maintains the parks, playgrounds, and play fields; the recrea

tional waterways; the municipal orchestras, and similar recreational activities, but these tax-supported recreational agencies at the local level are primarily concerned with the development of and the making available of public recreational facilities and programs which will enable youth and adults to make wise use of their leisure time. It is true that very valuable entertainment normally results from public recreational activities and programs to millions of people in our Nation annually.

But, nevertheless, the prime objective of public recreational programs and agencies and facilities is not entertainment for viewers or spectators, it is rather to make available for individual and group use of these facilities and programs and areas as part of an increasingly necessary know-how for the wise expenditure of rapidly increasing leisure, or extra, time-most of which accrues after the work hours of the day, and which work hours are perceptibly shorter in length and duration.

And the fact of shorter work hours becoming a necessity, as well as a reality, in our economic and social structure, leads me to observe that the American people do not yet have the know-how to make the utmost use or profitable use of their increasing leisure time. Yes, recreational illiteracy can be not less dangerous than the lack of ability to absorb other intellectual practices and habits. What a man does when he has nothing to do is either a time of benefit and advancement to that man or it becomes a liability and, in like manner, a city obtains results from the activity and participation of people-including the labor workers and all working people. Therefore, what the people of a city do in their leisure time, and when they have nothing definite to do, also shapes the morale and the spirit, and even the prosperity, happiness, and health of those people and individuals of that city. As it is literally true that a family which knows how to play together will resultingly live together, and that a family which habitually prays together will be more apt to live steadfastly and longer together, so it is that a city wherein the people thereof sing will be a city in which there is reasonably apt to be less sin.

So, I am sure that all responsible citizens and governmental leadership who think at all on the increasing problem of longer leisure-time hours realize that a wise and sound use of the onrushing additional leisure time is a factor to be increasingly taken into consideration as being an increasingly major factor entering into the national interest. In other words, Mr. Chairman, the problem of leisure time and its wise, sensible, sound use is no longer merely a local responsibility or problem, it is also a national responsibility to cooperate with local agencies wherever practical.

For instance, mission 66 recently overwhelmingly approved by Congress and signed by the President of the United States involving the expanding of recreation features and areas and programs in our great national park system is but one illustration of the fact I have just related.

I hear no voice speak out against these related bills as being unworthy in their objectives. No person famaliar with the area of discussion, claims that the subject matter lacks worthiness. This being true, it necessarily results in the fundamental premise that the bills have a sound objective. So, Mr. Chairman, if it be true that placing the objectives of these bills into effect by legislation will cause some inconvenience to the Federal agency involved, or would even cause some delay in personal property disposal operations by the Federal agency involved, these facts are surely not sufficient argument against the bill to result in a stopple of their adoption. Surely our administrators can work out some satisfactory arrangements and procedures for the disposal of both personal and real property under the objectives and intent of these bills so that there will be a minimum of delay and a minimum of expense; likewise a minimum of opportunity for there to develop or result any lack of cooperation by the applicants for various recreational properties.

In this connection, I wish to emphasize that these bills apply to the return to taxpaying communities of facilities and properties bought by these very taxpaying people and used as result of their tax moneys by the Federal Government. This premise, of course, also applies to educational, public health, and civil defense purposes. If it be claimed by some objectors to these bills that the return of these properties to local taxpaying recreational uses would cause some reduction in the amount of Federal Government income, theoretically resulting from the sale of real or personal property by the Federal Government instead of returning it to the taxpayers who originally paid for it, I would respectfully suggest that the amount of Federal income thus lessened would be nominal and purely inconsequential in view of the soundness of the principle involved in these

bills and in the increased morale, public health, and general welfare which will result from the increasing availability of public recreational facilities and areas and programs in the local areas of our Nation.

Mr. Chairman, for these reasons and others which I have not time to here call to your attention, and believing that other witnesses either have or will do so for the benefit of your study, I respectfully urge the enactment of some bill involving the principles of H. R. 7067, which I was pleased to author, involving the principles and objectives of a committee bill which would include the main objectives and purposes of the bills now pending before you so as to permit the donation and other disposal of tax-purchased property to tax-supported public recreation agencies throughout our Nation. Thank you.

STATEMENT OF HON. DEWITT S. HYDE, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF MARYLAND

CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES,
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Washington, D. C., July 31, 1958.

Hon. JOHN W. MCCORMACK,

Chairman, Special Subcommittee on Donable Property of the Committee on Government Operations, Washington, D. C.

DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Enclosed is a copy of my statement in support of H. R. 4107, to amend the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act to permit the donation of surplus property to volunteer fire-fighting organizations, volunteer reserve services, squads, and first-aid crews.

I would appreciate it if you would have my statement inserted in the hearings scheduled for Friday morning, August 1.

Thank you.
Sincerely,

DEWITT S. HYDE.

Mr. Chairman, my bill, H. R. 4107, was introduced to supersede H. R. 2552 and I will therefore speak a few words in behalf of H. R. 4107.

I know there have been several adverse reports on my bills and others which advocate the broadening of the donation program for surplus property. Nevertheless, speaking from my knowledge of the volunteer fire departments and rescue squads in my own congressional district, I know that this equipment would be of immeasurable value to the health of our communities. It seems to me that if the Federal Government has available surplus property they need, it couldn't be put to better use. I know how difficult it is for volunteer fire departments in small towns to raise funds to purchase new equipment, and I am always amazed at their ingeunity in improvising fire-fighting equipment from tanks and other property which they now are required to bid on.

The fire companies and rescue squads in my district do an excellent job with the equipment they have. To be able to get needed additional equipment under surplus would help them in their jobs as volunteers.

I sincerely request that in considering amendments to the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act, you will include the volunteer fire departments and rescue squads.

STATEMENT OF HON. HARRY G. HASKELL, JR., A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF DELAWARE

Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the opportunity to appear before this committee in support of the legislation to amend the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to permit the donation of surplus property to volunteer fire-fighting organizations.

At the present time, only health, education, and civil defense agencies can receive surplus equipment by paying the cost of care and handling. In the State of Delaware, which I represent, we have only one paid fire company in the entire State; all others, numbering some 59, are volunteer groups, men who give of their time and fire-fighting ability to protect the property of their fellow citizens. I feel that it is important that they be given the very best of equipment and as much as possible to do this important job.

In the area of public welfare certainly neighbors helping each other in a time of distress is a basic concept of such welfare. If through the procurement of surplus property, the local volunteer fire companies would be able to better serve and protect their communities, then I feel that they should be given the opportunity to bid on such equipment.

I strongly urge that favorable consideration be given to this legislation by this committee so that the citizens who give unselfishly of their time and place their lives in danger will have the tools to more effectively do their job. Thank you.

STATEMENT OF HON. W. PAT JENNINGS, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF VIRGINIA

Mr. Chairman, members of the subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to present this statement in behalf of my bill, H. R. 242, which would amend the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to allow donation of surplus property to volunteer fire departments and secue or lifesaving crews. This bill was introduced on the first day of the 85th Congress, January 3, 1957. I certainly hope that your investigation of the need for such legislation since its introduction, coupled with the reports from the governmental departments, has convinced you that such amendment to the donable property program is in order.

Toward the end of World War II, Congress enacted the Surplus Property Act of 1944 for the purpose of setting up an orderly procedure to dispose of huge stockpiles of property no longer necessary for defense. The act established a series of priorities, whereby surplus material was made available, first for use by other Federal agencies and, lastly, for sale to private business. Intermediate priority was given to educational institutions. This was made possible through a provision which allowed for the transfer of surplus property by donation or public benefit discount to tax-supported and tax-exempt, nonprofit educational institutions.

The surplus property programs were rendered permanent in 1949, then in 1950 broadened considerably. The expanded act retained basically the same priority arrangement, but provided for the donation of surplus personal property to tax-supported and tax-exempt medical institutions, hospitals, clinics, and health centers, in addition to schools, school systems, colleges, and universities. In 1955, the donation provisions were extended still further to embrace civil defense needs.

I think this brief survey is important, for what it clearly demonstrates is that the scope of that portion of the program which allows for donation of surplus property, personal and real, to organizations and institutions whose chief mission is to serve the public interest has been continually expanded.

That Congress has seen fit to do this is not surprising. We have come to realize that while surplus property programs were initially established to deal with war surpluses alone, a large quantity of surplus property will always exist-if only that generated by the normal Federal housekeeping processes. It has long been recognized that further extension of the donable provisions of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act was desirable. The Hoover Commission, in its report on surplus property, stated that many of the proposed extensions "have considerable merit." The Senate Committee on Government Operations has pledged to promote "full utilization of surplus Federal property in the best public interest" (S. Rept. No. 351, 84th Cong.). A chief reason why the donable provisions have been expanded, but with care, is found in this statement by the House Committee on Government Operations: "The committee feels strongly that it must at this time give first priority to the clarification of the status of educational and public health institutions without prejudice to other causes which may be considered later" (H. Rept. No. 206, 84th Cong.). Implicit in this appraisal is the notion that the list of deserving organizations and institutions now eligible under the law is not necessarily complete.

The benefits to the public of the donation program far outweigh the few defects, which are largely of an administrative nature. The departmental reports received by this subcommittee, all of which oppose extension of the donable property provisions of the program, are based on the fact that administration would be difficult. The worthy objectives of this bill are recognized; it seems to me, therefore, that any administrative wrinkles could be ironed out to everyone's satisfaction.

The case for donating surplus material to certain volunteer emergency organizations, such as fire departments and rescue squads, is self-evident. (I interpret "rescue squads" to include lifesaving and first-aid squads.) While equipment of this type would not be put to steady day-to-day use, it would become when suddenly, tragically needed, more important than food, clothing, and shelter combined-indeed the very difference between life and death.

Hardly a day goes by without the local newspapers in my State publishing a story of the mercy missions of a rescue squad or a volunteer fire department. I'm certain the same is true in every State of the Union.

In 1956, the International Rescue and First Aid Association, which represents approximately 25,000 members throughout the Nation, adopted a resolution at its convention in Toledo, Ohio, as a part of the effort to secure donation of surplus Federal property to these important community organizations. The resolution follows:

"Whereas in recent years our great Nation has suffered enormously from the destructive forces of nature by virtue of hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes, which caused great tolls in loss of life and injury to thousands of our citizens as well as being most destructive to commercial establishments and residential structures; and

"Whereas these catastrophes must be met by the immediate organization of 'disaster squads,' equipped with articles from Federal surplus stockpiles, which would greatly enhance rescue, first aid and transportations so vital at said disaster areas; and

"Whereas, 'disaster squads' should be organized, equipped, and trained within the organizational planning of Armed Forces Reserve training centers, stations and armories, civil defense, Civil Air Patrol and organized civilian rescue first-aid squads; and

"Whereas the release of said surplus Federal equipment would also enhance routine localized functions on a year-round basis and thereby greatly reduce death and injury tolls from the presently high rates; and

"Whereas human misery could be relieved and alleviation of unwarranted delays could be achieved by trained and well-equipped squads which would provide the best in rescue, first aid, and transportation; and

"Whereas within the past 2 years the eastern seaboard and the New England States have suffered high tolls in loss of life and billions in property losses, causing peril to our national security and public safety: Therefore, be it

"Resolved, That this resolution be unanimously passed in conference and proper Federal authorities be notified."

This resolution outlines succinctly the need for this legislation; its statements are also applicable to the volunteer fire departments of the Nation.

Mr. Chairman, we are all aware of the unselfish devotion to duty and to community service exemplified by the members of the thousands of volunteer fire departments and rescue squads. Yes, and the help given by their wives in the auxiliaries. This bill we discuss today can be of great help to these organizations in their efforts to protect and assist their communities.

As you know, many of these volunteer organizations are supported by fund campaigns and donations. It is a common occurrence for members of a unit to contribute not only their time and efforts to this work, but also their money in order that proper equipment will be available. Certainly we should cooperate with these unselfish community servants, if at all possible.

The president of the International Rescue and First Aid Association, Mr. Don Dunnington, of Bethesda, Md., commented to me only this morning on this proposed legislation. He is preparing a brief statement which I will submit to this subcommittee for the record.

Mr. Dunnington pointed out that utilizing surplus property in this fashion is "putting it back to work for the taxpayers who purchased it in the first place." He also raised the point of these volunteer organizations cooperating in the civil defense program, and it is very apparent that their services would prove invaluable in any major mobilization of the civil defense organization.

There is no doubt that extension of the donable property provisions of the surplus program in this instance would be of real benefit to the Nation's volunteer fire department, and rescue, lifesaving, and first aid squads.

I urge this subcommittee to act favorably on this legislation.

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