STATEMENT OF HON. KENNETH B. KEATING, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF NEW YORK Mr. Chairman and members of the committe, I appreciate very much this opportunity to present my views on H. R. 9522, a bill to authorize the disposal of surplus property to certain welfare and recreation agencies. I commend the distinguished chairman for scheduling this hearing on my proposal and other measures dealing with the use of Federal surplus goods. In the less than 1 year since its introduction, H. R. 9522 has drawn widespread and vigorous support from a broad range of interested groups. I have received endorsing letters from almost all of the 48 States and from numerous organizations working in the welfare and recreation fields. To a man, they have backed strongly the principle embodied in my bill. Simply stated, H. R. 9522 would broaden the eligibility for surplus property to include a limited number of welfare and recreation agencies. These groups would be in addition to the medical institutions, health centers, schools, colleges, and certain other recreation agencies which now may receive such goods. My proposal contains carefully formulated language to insure that only taxsupported or tax-exempt welfare or recreation agencies would be eligible for this material. Also, a tax-exempt voluntary agency would have to have a license from a State standard-setting agency, or receive funds through a State or local community fund, or be affiliated with or part of a national standardsetting organization. This language was evolved after careful consultation with highly reputable groups in this field and with the House legislative counsel. It has the approval of the National Federation of Settlements and Neighborhood Centers. It is designed to prevent, as much as is humanly possible, any abuse of the privilege to be granted by this legislation. I feel it does provide adequate safeguards against fly-by-night organizations and other groups which might not properly utilize surplus goods, but I have no particular pride of authorship about the specific language. If the committee should choose to delineate standards in a different manner, perhaps in consultation with officials of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, I am sure such a revision would be satisfactory to me. In any case, most careful consideration must be given to drafting language which will insure, as much as possible, that none of these precious goods goes to waste or is given to anything less than fully deserving and reputable organizations. H. R. 9522 grew out of recommendations drawn up by a National Welfare Assembly Committee, which included members drawn from American Foundation for the Blind, Child Welfare League of America, Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds, Council on Social Work Education, Girl Scouts, National Council of Churches of Christ in America, National Federation of Settlements and Neighborhood Centers, National Jewish Welfare Board, National Recreation Association, Salvation Army, United Community Funds and Councils, Young Men's Christian Association, and Young Women's Christian Association. The following organizations also expressed their interest in this subject in connection with that committee's work: American Hearing Society, Board of Hospitals and Homes of the Methodist Church, National Catholic Community Service, and United HIAS Service. In addition, numerous fund organizations in related fields have since come forward in support of the bill. Mr. Chairman, literally hundreds of these worthy groups from all over the country have indicated to me their desperate need of low-cost, usable Government material. For example, officials of the YMCA in Rochester, N. Y., have reeled off nearly two score types of equipment and supplies which are needed for the operation of their program and camp and which might be available under terms of this measure. The Rochester Community Chest, with ever-increasing expenditures for new equipment and replacement of equipment for 43 agencies, exclusive of hospitals-this year's estimate is over $116,000-has indicated clearly the tremendous savings which couuld be achieved through the purchase of surplus property from the Federal Government. I could cite such examples of proven need among worthy groups endlessly. The point is, of course, that if these fine organizations could receive the cheaper goods for their work, they would have more money left over with which to pursue their good deeds even more widely and in better fashion. This measure could thus serve as an effective budget stretcher. These agencies are doing a magnificent job of character building and other help to our young people, of easing the paths of our aged, and providing sustenance and security for our needy citizens. Any reasonable way in which we can help these groups in their noble work should be pursued vigorously. It is true, of course, that some of the organizations which have expressed an interest in this legislation have been declared eligible by administrative ruling. It is possible that other organizations could be given access to such goods by that method. However, it would appear that the fairer and sounder means of resolving this issue is by legislation. This could once and for all end the present confusion and consternation, would insure that all deserving welfare and recreation groups received equal treatment, and that the expression of policy would be one determined by the people's representatives. Mr. Chairman, I feel we should leave no stone unturned in our efforts to help these fine organizations achieve their objectives. If, by proper legislation, we can ease the strain on their already skimpy budgets and enable them to better carry out their work, we should do so without further delay. I feel H. R. 9522 represents a sound and progressive means for helping our welfare and recreation agencies help themselves. And in the long run, of course, all America will be a better place for this, because the success of these organizations means a safer, healthier, happier, and more secure nation. Hon. KENNETH KEATING, NEW YORK, N. Y., July 30, 1958. House of Representatives, Washington, D. O.: United Funds, community chests, community welfare councils, and over 25,000 local health, welfare, and recreation organizations affiliated with them earnestly desire passage of H. R. 9522. Expansion of the list of organizations eligible to purchase surplus Government property as provided for in this bill will be of material help in furnishing more and better service to local communities. CHARLES X. SAMPSON, Director of Administration. STATEMENT OF HON. ROBERT J. MCINTOSH, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF MICHIGAN Mr. Chairman and distinguished members of the subcommittee, I appreciate the opportunity of presenting this brief statement in support of the pending legislation to amend section 203 of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949, as amended, so as to authorize the donation of surplus property to volunteer fire-fighting organizations. Presently, only educational, health, and civil-defense organizations are eligible under the donation program. As you know, our volunteer fire-fighting organizations serve without compensation and give their time unselfishly for training and in the actual protection of local lives and property. The public service they perform, in my opinion, should entitle them to qualify for such donations on the same basis as other beneficiaries under the act. Moreover, it would seem to me that these organizations should be entitled to the benefits of the program because of their close alliance with civil-defense units. It is my understanding that volunteer firefighting organizations answer all civil-defense drills in their localities. It is my further understanding that the local civil-defense organizations rely upon these volunteer organizations for any fire-fighting equipment necessary for civildefense purposes. Certainly, this fact alone should justify including this activity among the list of eligible receivers of donable surplus personal property. I, therefore, hope that it will be possible for your subcommittee to give favorable consideration to legislation which will permit volunteer fire-fighting organizations to receive surplus Federal property. STATEMENT OF HON. D. R. (BILLY) MATTHEWS, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF FLORIDA Mr. Chairman, I appreciate very much the privilege of testifying on behalf of H. R. 10118. Since this is a very technical matter, I do not have the information about it that I would like to have and the reason for the introduction of my bill is best explained, I think, by asking your permission to insert for the record a letter that I received from Dr. William T. Sowder, State health officer for Florida. I enclose the letter. Hon. D. R. (BILLY) MATTHEWS, House Office Building, Washington, D. C. FLORIDA BOARD OF HEALTH, DEAR CONGRESSMAN MATTHEWS: The assistance of Florida's congressional delegation is requested in amending the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949. During the past year certain local county health departments were severely criticized through the press for reported illegal use of Federal surplus property used by the health departments for mosquito control and other public-health purposes. It is apparent to this office that the difficulties which have been encountered were not violations of the act but in our opinion incorrect administrative interpretations of the functions of a health center as well as what is meant by "public health purposes" in the act. We have contended all along that mosquito control should be classified as a public health purpose and furthermore that the operation of a sanitary landfill under the supervision and direction of a local health center should also be classified as public-health purpose. In a letter of December 16, 1957, from the Honorable M. B. Folsom, Secretary of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, in response to a resolution from the Florida Public Health Association, he stated that mosquito control work is considered a public health purpose which has cleared up one point. "If these otherwise eligible health centers, for example, are responsible for the musquito control program in the county, then the health center would be eligible to receive equipment for mosquito control work, since this is considered a public health purpose." He further stated, "On the other hand, we understand that the mosquito-control program is operated in some areas of the State by independent legal entities known as mosquito control districts whose responsibility may even extend beyond county lines. Under these circumstances, the mosquito-control districts would not be eligible to receive property because such agencies are not enumerated in the act and could not qualify as either a hospital, medical institution, clinic, or health center. Similarly, health units, sanitation activities, and sanitary land fills mentioned in the resolution do not come within the purview of the law." We We understand the logic as to why a mosquito control district, malaria control district, sanitary districts, and similar local agencies cannot be considered for surplus property since they have not been definitely spelled out in the law. maintain, however, that if a local health center is eligible to receive surplus equipment for mosquito control, then it is also eligible to utilize the equipment for sanitary landfill operations, since such operations are performed for mosquito control, housefly control, rodent and flea control, which, in our opinion, should come under the classification of public health purposes. We strongly recommend that Florida's congressional delegation use their influence to have the law amended to straighten out the difficulty that has arisen over the administrative interpretation of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949. We are enclosing a resolution that was recently adopted by the State and Territorial health officers pertaining to the subject. We are also attaching a suggested amendment to the act which may clear up many of the difficulties which have arisen in the public health field, and it is also hoped that should the amendment pass that mosquito control districts, sanitary districts, etc., operating under the supervision and direction of State or Territorial health departments would be eligible for surplus equipment. It is our understanding that Congressman Herlong is already looking into the matter of amending the law since much of the difficulty has arisen in his district. Sincerely, WILSON T. SOWDER, M. D. I am in favor of the principles of H. R. 10118 and I hope that this committee will be able to report a bill that will help us with the problem that has ben so well explained by Dr. Sowder. Thank you very much. STATEMENT OF HON. DONALD E. TEWES, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF WISCONSIN Gentlemen, in judging whether more agencies should be made eligible to receive surplus property, we are obliged to apply the same standards Congress does to almost all of the proposals which come before it: Is the additional expense justified by the additional public benefit received? I want to state briefly the reasons why I believe extending eligibility to volunteer fire departments meets that standard. In the first place, the administrative expense of a major policy change is not involved here. Present legislation governing distribution of Federal surplus equipment is aimed at getting that equipment where it is most needed and where it will do the most public good. Adding volunteer fire departments to public health, education, and civil-defense agencies as eligible receivers more fully implements the intent of the present law. Any additional expense involved will come chiefly through processing of more bids. In other words, there will be more competition for surplus equipment by worthy agencies. That, I say, is all to the good. Under the competent administration of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, such competition should result in the equipment going where it is most needed. Certainly volunteer fire departments are entitled to join the public-service agencies already on the list of eligible bidders. Fire protection in those communities where local taxes cannot support a full-time fire force is every bit as necessary to public welfare as health, education, and civil-defense activities. Anyone who has lived in an area dependent on volunteer fire fighters knows their public-service value. In an era when public welfare has come to be considered the exclusive domain of Federal Government, these local volunteer fire departments demonstrate the basic concept of public welfare: one neighbor helping another in time of need. The citizens who voluntarily put their lives in jeopardy for the good of their community deserve any help the Federal Government can give them through this program. If we can increase the protection they offer their communities through better equipment, then they should be given a chance to bid along with the other agencies now eligible. It has been suggested that in granting eligibility to volunteer fire departments, we would be setting a precedent that would automatically open the field to other agencies. I feel that this committee and Congress can be trusted to judge on their merits any proposals which might come in, whether current bills are passed or not. The present study by this committee is evidence that each proposal must pull its own weight. (Communications, letters, and statements from Members of Congress, individuals, and organizations follow :) CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Washington, D. C., August 5, 1958. Hon. JOHN W. MCCORMACK, Chairman, Subcommittee on Special Donable Property, The Capitol, Washington, D. C. DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: I would like to join with the other Members of Congress who have expressed their support of H. R. 7929 which amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to permit the donation of surplus property to volunteer fire-fighting organizations. At present such surplus property can be donated free of charge to educational and public health institutions. Many small communities throughout the Fifth Maryland Congressional District, which I have the honor to represent, depend solely upon their volunteer fire-fighting organizations for protection. The task is admirably performed by dedicated men. There is always present, however, the struggle to raise funds for badly needed equipment; funds are often meager and the equipment insufficient. It would be difficult for me to think of more deserving recipients of Federal surplus property than our volunteer fire departments who would put this equipment to the direct use of saving lives and property. I believe Congress could perform an outstanding public service by its passage of this legislation which is designed to bolster the fire-fighting ability of our volunteer fire departments. Sincerely yours, RICHARD E. LANKFORD, Hon. JOHN W. MCCORMACK, AMERICAN HEARING SOCIETY, Chairman, Special Subcommittee on Donable Property, United States Capitol, Washington, D. C. DEAR CONGRESSMAN MCCORMACK: The American Hearing Society wishes to express its belief of H. R. 9522 and has, therefore, prepared the enclosed statement. Will you please see that this statement is inclosed in the minutes of the hearings your committee will hold regarding H. R. 9522? Sincerely yours, CRAYTON WALKER, STATEMENT OF AMERICAN HEARING SOCIETY RE H. R. 9522 The American Hearing Society, an organization with member agencies located in large cities in all parts of the United States, has as its purpose the rehabilitation of the deafened and the prevention of deafness. The society is supported very largely by charitable donations. It is necessary that we, like other similarly constituted national health organizations, expend funds entrusted to its care with great caution. Hence, we are very much interested in the passage of H. R. 9522, a bill to amend the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to authorize the disposal of surplus property to certain health and welfare agencies. We feel that the passage of the bill will extend the right to buy Government surplus property to agencies such as ours, thus enabling us to save considerable sums of money on equipment for administrative use. This, in turn, will make it possible for us to use more of our income to promote our objectives of better hearing health for all communities in which we are privileged to work. Favorable consideration of H. R. 9522 by the Special Subcommittee on Donable Property is respectfully requested. AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, Hon. JOHN W. MCCORMACK, Chairman, Special Donable Property Subcommittee, United States Capitol, Washington, D. C. DEAR MR. MCCORMACK: On behalf of the American Library Association, I should like to file the attached statement in support of H. R. 13085, a bill to amend section 203 of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to provide for the donation of surplus property to public libraries, now under consideration by your committee and ask that it be included in the record of the hearings. Sincerely yours, GERMAINE KRETTEK, Director, ALA Washington Office. STATEMENT OF GERMAINE KRETTEK, DIRECTOR, WASHINGTON OFFICE, AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION My name is Germaine Krettek. I am director of the Washington office of the American Library Association, a nonprofit, professional association of more than 20,000 members, consisting of librarians, trustees, and friends of libraries |