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President[ Gerald R. Ford

         Date[ January 12, 1977

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of the 95th Congress, and

distinguished guests:

In accordance with the Constitution, I come before you once again to report

on the state of the Union.

This report will be my last--maybe--[laughter]--but for the Union it is

only the first of such reports in our third century of independence, the

close of which none of us will ever see. We can be confident, however, that

100 years from now a freely elected President will come before a freely

elected Congress chosen to renew our great Republic's pledge to the

Government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

For my part I pray the third century we are beginning will bring to all

Americans, our children and their children's children, a greater measure of

individual equality, opportunity, and justice, a greater abundance of

spiritual and material blessings, and a higher quality of life, liberty,

and the pursuit of happiness.

The state of the Union is a measurement of the many elements of which it is

composed--a political union of diverse States, an economic union of varying

interests, an intellectual union of common convictions, and a moral union

of immutable ideals.

Taken in sum, I can report that the state of the Union is good. There is

room for improvement, as always, but today we have a more perfect Union

than when my stewardship began.

As a people we discovered that our Bicentennial was much more than a

celebration of the past; it became a joyous reaffirmation of all that it

means to be Americans, a confirmation before all the world of the vitality

and durability of our free institutions. I am proud to have been privileged

to preside over the affairs of our Federal Government during these eventful

years when we proved, as I said in my first words upon assuming office,

that "our Constitution works; our great Republic is a Government of laws

and not of men. Here the people rule."

The people have spoken; they have chosen a new President and a new Congress

to work their will. I congratulate you--particularly the new Members--as

sincerely as I did President-elect Carter. In a few days it will be his

duty to outline for you his priorities and legislative recommendations.

Tonight I will not infringe on that responsibility, but rather wish him the

very best in all that is good for our country.

During the period of my own service in this Capitol and in the White House,

I can recall many orderly transitions of governmental responsibility--of

problems as well as of position, of burdens as well as of power. The genius

of the American system is that we do this so naturally and so normally.

There are no soldiers marching in the street except in the Inaugural

Parade; no public demonstrations except for some of the dancers at the

Inaugural Ball; the opposition party doesn't go underground, but goes on

functioning vigorously in the Congress and in the country; and our vigilant

press goes right on probing and publishing our faults and our follies,

confirming the wisdom of the framers of the first amendment.

Because of the transfer of authority in our form of government affects the

state of the Union and of the world, I am happy to report to you that the

current transition is proceeding very well. I was determined that it

should; I wanted the new President to get off on an easier start than I

had.

When I became President on August 9, 1974, our Nation was deeply divided

and tormented. In rapid succession the Vice President and the President had

resigned in disgrace. We were still struggling with the after-effects of a

long, unpopular, and bloody war in Southeast Asia. The economy was unstable

and racing toward the worst recession in 40 years. People were losing jobs.

The cost of living was soaring. The Congress and the Chief Executive were

at loggerheads. The integrity of our constitutional process and other

institutions was being questioned. For more than 15 years domestic spending

had soared as Federal programs multiplied, and the expense escalated

annually. During the same period our national security needs were steadily

shortchanged. In the grave situation which prevailed in August 1974, our

will to maintain our international leadership was in doubt.

I asked for your prayers and went to work.

In January 1975 I reported to the Congress that the state of the Union was

not good. I proposed urgent action to improve the economy and to achieve

energy independence in 10 years. I reassured America's allies and sought to

reduce the danger of confrontation with potential adversaries. I pledged a

new direction for America. 1975 was a year of difficult decisions, but

Americans responded with realism, common sense, and self-discipline.

By January 1976 we were headed in a new direction, which I hold to be the

right direction for a free society. It was guided by the belief that

successful problem-solving requires more than Federal action alone, that it

involves a full partnership among all branches and all levels of government

and public policies which nurture and promote the creative energies of

private enterprises, institutions, and individual citizens.

A year ago I reported that the state of the Union was better--in many ways

a lot better--but still not good enough. Common sense told me to stick to

the steady course we were on, to continue to restrain the inflationary

growth of government, to reduce taxes as well as spending, to return local

decisions to local officials, to provide for long-range sufficiency in

energy and national security needs. I resisted the immense pressures of an

election year to open the floodgates of Federal money and the temptation to

promise more than I could deliver. I told it as it was to the American

people and demonstrated to the world that in our spirited political

competition, as in this chamber, Americans can disagree without being

disagreeable.

Now, after 30 months as your President, I can say that while we still have

a way to go, I am proud of the long way we have come together.

I am proud of the part I have had in rebuilding confidence in the

Presidency, confidence in our free system, and confidence in our future.

Once again, Americans believe in themselves, in their leaders, and in the

promise that tomorrow holds for their children.

I am proud that today America is at peace. None of our sons are fighting

and dying in battle anywhere in the world. And the chance for peace among

all nations is improved by our determination to honor our vital commitments

in defense of peace and freedom.

I am proud that the United States has strong defenses, strong alliances,

and a sound and courageous foreign policy.

Our alliances with major partners, the great industrial democracies of

Western Europe, Japan, and Canada, have never been more solid.

Consultations on mutual security, defense, and East-West relations have

grown closer. Collaboration has branched out into new fields such as

energy, economic policy, and relations with the Third World. We have used

many avenues for cooperation, including summit meetings held among major

allied countries. The friendship of the democracies is deeper, warmer, and

more effective than at any time in 30 years.

We are maintaining stability in the strategic nuclear balance and pushing

back the specter of nuclear war. A decisive step forward was taken

in the Vladivostok Accord which I negotiated with General Secretary

Brezhnev--joint recognition that an equal ceiling should be placed

on the number of strategic weapons on each side. With resolve and wisdom

on the part of both nations, a good agreement is well within reach

this year.

The framework for peace in the Middle East has been built. Hopes for future

progress in the Middle East were stirred by the historic agreements we

reached and the trust and confidence that we formed. Thanks to American

leadership, the prospects for peace in the Middle East are brighter than

they have been in three decades. The Arab states and Israel continue to

look to us to lead them from confrontation and war to a new era of

accommodation and peace. We have no alternative but to persevere, and I am

sure we will. The opportunities for a final settlement are great, and the

price of failure is a return to the bloodshed and hatred that for too long

have brought tragedy to all of the peoples of this area and repeatedly

edged the world to the brink of war.

Our relationship with the People's Republic of China is proving its

importance and its durability. We are finding more and more common ground

between our two countries on basic questions of international affairs.

In my two trips to Asia as President, we have reaffirmed America's

continuing vital interest in the peace and security of Asia and the Pacific

Basin, established a new partnership with Japan, confirmed our dedication

to the security of Korea, and reinforced our ties with the free nations of

Southeast Asia.

An historic dialog has begun between industrial nations and developing

nations. Most proposals on the table are the initiatives of the United

States, including those on food, energy, technology, trade, investment, and

commodities. We are well launched on this process of shaping positive and

reliable economic relations between rich nations and poor nations over the

long term.

We have made progress in trade negotiations and avoided protectionism

during recession. We strengthened the international monetary system. During

the past 2 years the free world's most important economic powers have

already brought about important changes that serve both developed and

developing economies. The momentum already achieved must be nurtured and

strengthened, for the prosperity of the rich and poor depends upon it.

In Latin America, our relations have taken on a new maturity and a sense of

common enterprise.

In Africa the quest for peace, racial justice, and economic progress is at

a crucial point. The United States, in close cooperation with the United

Kingdom, is actively engaged in this historic process. Will change come

about by warfare and chaos and foreign intervention? Or will it come about

by negotiated and fair solutions, ensuring majority rule, minority rights,

and economic advance? America is committed to the side of peace and justice

and to the principle that Africa should shape its own future, free of

outside intervention.

American leadership has helped to stimulate new international efforts to

stem the proliferation of nuclear weapons and to shape a comprehensive

treaty governing the use of oceans.

I am gratified by these accomplishments. They constitute a record of broad

success for America and for the peace and prosperity of all mankind. This

administration leaves to its successor a world in better condition than we

found. We leave, as well, a solid foundation for progress on a range of

issues that are vital to the well-being of America.

What has been achieved in the field of foreign affairs and what can be

accomplished by the new administration demonstrate the genius of Americans

working together for the common good. It is this, our remarkable ability to

work together, that has made us a unique nation. It is Congress, the

President, and the people striving for a better world.

I know all patriotic Americans want this Nation's foreign policy to

succeed. I urge members of my party in this Congress to give the new

President loyal support in this area. I express the hope that this new

Congress will reexamine its constitutional role in international affairs.

The exclusive right to declare war, the duty to advise and consent on the

part of the Senate, the power of the purse on the part of the House are

ample authority for the legislative branch and should be jealously guarded.

But because we may have been too careless of these powers in the past does

not justify congressional intrusion into, or obstruction of, the proper

exercise of Presidential responsibilities now or in the future. There can

be only one Commander in Chief. In these times crises cannot be managed and

wars cannot be waged by committee, nor can peace be pursued solely by

parliamentary debate. To the ears of the world, the President speaks for

the Nation. While he is, of course, ultimately accountable to the Congress,

the courts, and the people, he and his emissaries must not be handicapped

in advance in their relations with foreign governments as has sometimes

happened in the past.

At home I am encouraged by the Nation's recovery from the recession and our

steady return to sound economic growth. It is now continuing after the

recent period of uncertainty, which is part of the price we pay for free

elections.

Our most pressing need today and the future is more jobs--productive,

permanent jobs created by a thriving economy. We must revise our tax system

both to ease the burden of heavy taxation and to encourage the investment

necessary for the creation of productive jobs for all Americans who want to

work.

Earlier this month I proposed a permanent income tax reduction of $10

billion below current levels, including raising the personal exemption from

$750 to $1,000. I also recommended a series of measures to stimulate

investment, such as accelerated depreciation for new plants and equipment

in areas of high unemployment, a reduction in the corporate tax rate from

48 to 46 percent, and eliminating the present double taxation of dividends.

I strongly urge the Congress to pass these measures to help create the

productive, permanent jobs in the private economy that are so essential for

our future.

All the basic trends are good; we are not on the brink of another recession

or economic disaster. If we follow prudent policies that encourage

productive investment and discourage destructive inflation, we will come

out on top, and I am sure we will.

We have successfully cut inflation by more than half. When I took office,

the Consumer Price Index was rising at 12.2 percent a year. During 1976 the

rate of inflation was 5 percent.

We have created more jobs--over 4 million more jobs today than in the

spring of 1975. Throughout this Nation today we have over 88 million people

in useful, productive jobs--more than at any other time in our Nation's

history. But there are still too many Americans unemployed. This is the

greatest regret that I have as I leave office.

We brought about with the Congress, after much delay, the renewal of the

general revenue sharing. We expanded community development and Federal

manpower programs. We began a significant urban mass transit program.

Federal programs today provide more funds for our States and local

governments than ever before--$70 billion for the current fiscal year.

Through these programs and others that provide aid directly to individuals,

we have kept faith with our tradition of compassionate help for those who

need it. As we begin our third century we can be proud of the progress that

we have made in meeting human needs for all of our citizens.

We have cut the growth of crime by nearly 90 percent. Two years ago crime

was increasing at the rate of 18 percent annually. In the first three

quarters of 1976, that growth rate had been cut to 2 percent. But crime,

and the fear of crime, remains one of the most serious problems facing our

citizens.

We have had some successes, and there have been some disappointments.

Bluntly, I must remind you that we have not made satisfactory progress

toward achieving energy independence. Energy is absolutely vital to the

defense of our country, to the strength of our economy, and to the quality

of our lives.

Two years ago I proposed to the Congress the first comprehensive national

energy program--a specific and coordinated set of measures that would end

our vulnerability to embargo, blockade, or arbitrary price increases and

would mobilize U.S. technology and resources to supply a significant share

of the free world's energy after 1985. Of the major energy proposals I

submitted 2 years ago, only half, belatedly, became law. In 1973 we were

dependent upon foreign oil imports for 36 percent of our needs. Today, we

are 40-percent dependent, and we'll pay out $34 billion for foreign oil

this year. Such vulnerability at present or in the future is intolerable

and must be ended.

The answer to where we stand on our national energy effort today reminds me

of the old argument about whether the tank is half full or half empty. The

pessimist will say we have half failed to achieve our 10-year energy goals;

the optimist will say that we have half succeeded. I am always an optimist,

but we must make up for lost time.

We have laid a solid foundation for completing the enormous task which

confronts us. I have signed into law five major energy bills which contain

significant measures for conservation, resource development, stockpiling,

and standby authorities. We have moved forward to develop the naval

petroleum reserves; to build a 500-million barrel strategic petroleum

stockpile; to phase out unnecessary Government allocation and price

controls; to develop a lasting relationship with other oil consuming

nations; to improve the efficiency of energy use through conservation in

automobiles, buildings, and industry; and to expand research on new

technology and renewable resources such as wind power, geothermal and solar

energy. All these actions, significant as they are for the long term, are

only the beginning.

I recently submitted to the Congress my proposals to reorganize the Federal

energy structure and the hard choices which remain if we are serious about

reducing our dependence upon foreign energy. These include programs to

reverse our declining production of natural gas and increase incentives for

domestic crude oil production. I proposed to minimize environmental

uncertainties affecting coal development, expand nuclear power generation,

and create an energy independence authority to provide government financial

assistance for vital energy programs where private capital is not

available.

We must explore every reasonable prospect for meeting our energy needs when

our current domestic reserves of oil and natural gas begin to dwindle in

the next decade. I urgently ask Congress and the new administration to move

quickly on these issues. This Nation has the resources and the capability

to achieve our energy goals if its Government has the will to proceed, and

I think we do.

I have been disappointed by inability to complete many of the meaningful

organizational reforms which I contemplated for the Federal Government,

although a start has been made. For example, the Federal judicial system

has long served as a model for other courts. But today it is threatened by

a shortage of qualified Federal judges and an explosion of litigation

claiming Federal jurisdiction. I commend to the new administration and the

Congress the recent report and recommendations of the Department of

Justice, undertaken at my request, on "the needs of the Federal Courts." I

especially endorse its proposals for a new commission on the judicial

appointment process.

While the judicial branch of our Government may require reinforcement, the

budgets and payrolls of the other branches remain staggering. I cannot help

but observe that while the White House staff and the Executive Office of

the President have been reduced and the total number of civilians in the

executive branch contained during the 1970's, the legislative branch has

increased substantially although the membership of the Congress remains at

535. Congress now costs the taxpayers more than a million dollars per

Member; the whole legislative budget has passed the billion dollar mark.

We have made some progress in cutting back the expansion of government and

its intrusion into individual lives, but believe me, there is much more to

be done--and you and I know it. It can only be done by tough and

temporarily painful surgery by a Congress as prepared as the President to

face up to this very real political problem. Again, I wish my successor,

working with a substantial majority of his own party, the best of success

in reforming the costly and cumbersome machinery of the Federal

Government.

The task of self-government is never finished. The problems are great; the

opportunities are greater.

America's first goal is and always will be peace with honor. America must

remain first in keeping peace in the world. We can remain first in peace

only if we are never second in defense.

In presenting the state of the Union to the Congress and to the American

people, I have a special obligation as Commander in Chief to report on our

national defense. Our survival as a free and independent people requires,

above all, strong military forces that are well equipped and highly trained

to perform their assigned mission.

I am particularly gratified to report that over the past 2 1/2 years, we

have been able to reverse the dangerous decline of the previous decade in

real resources this country was devoting to national defense. This was an

immediate problem I faced in 1974. The evidence was unmistakable that the

Soviet Union had been steadily increasing the resources it applied to

building its military strength. During this same period the United States

real defense spending declined. In my three budgets we not only arrested

that dangerous decline, but we have established the positive trend which is

essential to our ability to contribute to peace and stability in the

world.

The Vietnam war, both materially and psychologically, affected our overall

defense posture. The dangerous anti-military sentiment discouraged defense

spending and unfairly disparaged the men and women who serve in our Armed

Forces.

The challenge that now confronts this country is whether we have the

national will and determination to continue this essential defense effort

over the long term, as it must be continued. We can no longer afford to

oscillate from year to year in so vital a matter; indeed, we have a duty to

look beyond the immediate question of budgets and to examine the nature of

the problem we will face over the next generation.

I am the first recent President able to address long-term, basic issues

without the burden of Vietnam. The war in Indochina consumed enormous

resources at the very time that the overwhelming strategic superiority we

once enjoyed was disappearing. In past years, as a result of decisions by

the United States, our strategic forces leveled off, yet the Soviet Union

continued a steady, constant buildup of its own forces, committing a high

percentage of its national economic effort to defense.

The United States can never tolerate a shift in strategic balance against

us or even a situation where the American people or our allies believe the

balance is shifting against us. The United States would risk the most

serious political consequences if the world came to believe that our

adversaries have a decisive margin of superiority.

To maintain a strategic balance we must look ahead to the 1980's and

beyond. The sophistication of modern weapons requires that we make

decisions now if we are to ensure our security 10 years from now.

Therefore, I have consistently advocated and strongly urged that we pursue

three critical strategic programs: the Trident missile launching submarine;

the B-1 bomber, with its superior capability to penetrate modern air

defenses; and a more advanced intercontinental ballistic missile that will

be better able to survive nuclear attack and deliver a devastating

retaliatory strike.

In an era where the strategic nuclear forces are in rough equilibrium, the

risks of conflict below the nuclear threshold may grow more perilous. A

major, long-term objective, therefore, is to maintain capabilities to deal

with, and thereby deter, conventional challenges and crises, particularly

in Europe.

We cannot rely solely on strategic forces to guarantee our security or to

deter all types of aggression. We must have superior naval and marine

forces to maintain freedom of the seas, strong multipurpose tactical air

forces, and mobile, modern ground forces. Accordingly, I have directed a

long-term effort to improve our worldwide capabilities to deal with

regional crises.

I have submitted a 5-year naval building program indispensable to the

Nation's maritime strategy. Because the security of Europe and the

integrity of NATO remain the cornerstone of American defense policy, I have

initiated a special, long-term program to ensure the capacity of the

Alliance to deter or defeat aggression in Europe.

As I leave office I can report that our national defense is effectively

deterring conflict today. Our Armed Forces are capable of carrying out the

variety of missions assigned to them. Programs are underway which will

assure we can deter war in the years ahead. But I also must warn that it

will require a sustained effort over a period of years to maintain these

capabilities. We must have the wisdom, the stamina, and the courage to

prepare today for the perils of tomorrow, and I believe we will.

As I look to the future--and I assure you I intend to go on doing that for

a good many years--I can say with confidence that the state of the Union is

good, but we must go on making it better and better.

This gathering symbolizes the constitutional foundation which makes

continued progress possible, synchronizing the skills of three independent

branches of Government, reserving fundamental sovereignty to the people of

this great land. It is only as the temporary representatives and servants

of the people that we meet here, we bring no hereditary status or gift of

infallibility, and none follows us from this place.

Like President Washington, like the more fortunate of his successors, I

look forward to the status of private citizen with gladness and gratitude.

To me, being a citizen of the United States of America is the greatest

honor and privilege in this world.

From the opportunities which fate and my fellow citizens have given me, as

a Member of the House, as Vice President and President of the Senate, and

as President of all the people, I have come to understand and place the

highest value on the checks and balances which our founders imposed on

government through the separation of powers among co-equal legislative,

executive, and judicial branches. This often results in difficulty and

delay, as I well know, but it also places supreme authority under God,

beyond any one person, any one branch, any majority great or small, or any

one party. The Constitution is the bedrock of all our freedoms. Guard and

cherish it, keep honor and order in your own house, and the Republic will

endure.

It is not easy to end these remarks. In this Chamber, along with some of

you, I have experienced many, many of the highlights of my life. It was

here that I stood 28 years ago with my freshman colleagues, as Speaker Sam

Rayburn administered the oath. I see some of you now--Charlie Bennett, Dick

Bolling, Carl Perkins, Pete Rodino, Harley Staggers, Tom Steed, Sid Yates,

Clem Zablocki-and I remember those who have gone to their rest. It was here

we waged many, many a lively battle--won some, lost some, but always

remaining friends. It was here, surrounded by such friends, that the

distinguished Chief Justice swore me in as Vice President on December 6,

1973. It was here I returned 8 months later as your President to ask not

for a honeymoon, but for a good marriage.

I will always treasure those memories and your many, many kindnesses. I

thank you for them all.

My fellow Americans, I once asked you for your prayers, and now I give you

mine: May God guide this wonderful country, its people, and those they have

chosen to lead them. May our third century be illuminated by liberty and

blessed with brotherhood, so that we and all who come after us may be the

humble servants of thy peace. Amen.

Good night. God bless you.

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