University of Virginia Library

Impounds Monies

"Some of the
impoundments are mandatory
by Congress, others are legal in
nature, and it is only in areas
where the administration
impounds monies that do not
fall under either of the two
categories that the problem is
created," he explained
methodically.

"Although the Constitution
provides that no money should
be drawn from the treasury
except in accordance with acts
of law, and this includes
appropriations bills, there is
nothing in the Constitution
that says that the President has
to spend monies that are 'made
available'."

Byrd believes Congress has
been less assertive than it
should. If so, this would only
add weight to the theory that
it is becoming "dead weight."

"I feel that Congress should
lead the way in setting the
ceiling and determining the
priorities under that ceiling. I
also think that Congress should
exercise greater responsibility
than it has at some times in the
past," he said, "but I am
opposed to letting the
President determine the ceiling,
and letting him determine fully
as to where cuts should be
made."

Congress must ultimately
act from a legislative or judicial
standpoint, to restrict the
President's usurpation of
power, he asserted.

On the subject of
Congressional spending, Byrd
considers himself to be an
"economic liberal" in that he
has backed social, educational
and job programs. He has
pushed for poverty-aid
programs, but for less welfare
at times, notably, as chairman
of the Appropriations
Subcommittee for the District
of Columbia.

He agrees in part with
Nixon's philosophy,
"Government must learn to
take less from its people, so
that the people can do more

for themselves," which he
outlined during his Inaugural
Address Jan. 20.

"I think that's right as a
major premise. I do think,
however, that there are areas in
which government must take
the major part, for example the
postal service," he said. "There
are certain areas where the
government must perform the
actions rather than the people.
But the premise set forth by
the President is basically
sound."

"Then too, there are old
people," he paused to reorder
his thoughts, "there are sick
people. there are people who
need rehabilitation. These are
people who need help, and I
think the government has a
definite function to perform."

***

As a man who is not
especially popular or
responsive with the press,
Byrd's disagreement with the
Administration's recent
attempts to regulate television
networks is somewhat
surprising. Yet, as a man who
"tells it like it is," he merits
respect for his
straightforwardness and
practicality. He returns to a
pragmatic "self-control"
solution, away from
government.

"I think the best solution
to this thing is for the
networks to police themselves.
I am interested in maintaining
a free press. The less
government regulation in this
area, the better," he said
forcefully.

Byrd does, however, believe
the networks have abused their
privileges by slanting news
programs and must act to
police themselves. "This kind
of action is best, and would be
most in accordance with the
Constitution," he said.

On issues dealing with the
environment, Byrd, to use one
of his favorite phrases stands
truly in the "middle-of-the-stream".