A Greens. by Ralph Nader the biggest consumer in the country. Federal agencies, military commissaries and PX’s regularly buy almost everything that ordinary con- umor®burchase-food, clothes,’ household appliances, drugs, autos, tires, light bulbs, deter- gents, blankets and many other items. With these multi-billion dollar expenditures annually, there is very little testing done to determine what is best to buy: This is one of the greatest lost opportunities to save the tax- payers’ money, encourage more quality and price compe- - tition and provide consumer in- formation to everyone. Take, for instance, the mil- itary commissaries and post ex- changog ‘Together they have a retail ¢Sules volume that is ex- ceeded only by Sears Roebuck. In the past two years, Congres- sional inquiries have uncovered evidence of waste, spoilage and corruption in their operations, particularly at overseas posts. But the mild managerial shake- up which followed the dis- closures is not in itself likely to lead to the establishment of a competent testing facility. Such a facility would pay for itself §guny times over. Pro- by the post exchanges and com- missaries would be routinely tested in much the way Con- There would be a food labora- tory, a vehicle and tire testing facility and other establish- ments suitable for evaluating different kinds of products. The result would guide supply offi- cials toward the best product for the taxpayers’ dollar. The companies who lost orders would make added efforts to bring their products up. to muster. In some cases, entire product lines would be exposed, such as light bulbs designed to burn out too quickly, pharma- ceuticals which are either in- effective or harmful, detergents that don’t’ fulfill their boasts, and packaged foods that cheat the customer in nutrition and quantity. Obviously, such information about brand name products would be of use to consumers. Prepared in an easy-to-read format and widely distributed, such facts would increase con- sumer awareness and lead to more intellegent choices. Com- panies would be pressed to per- form better. There is some experience on which to build. The govern- ment’s civilian purchasing arm, the General Services Admin- istration, has conducted tests once in a while for some brand name products it has pur- chased, such as batteries or air conditioners. In 1964, Congress specifically authorized the GSA to set safety specifications for automobiles that it purchases. sumers Union does its tests. will use one of its research fac- ilities or civilian agencies such as the National Bureau of Stan- dards or the Food and Drug Ad- ministration to conduct tests. All these efforts have been mostly unorganized, hidden from public view but watched closely by industry lobbyists to see that no comparative brand name information is released. There was a brief period, in late 1968, when the Johnson Admin- istration had decided to develop such government consumer in- formation for use by millions of Americans. This newborn policy decision was squelched by the businessmen who took over the White House as aides to President Nixon. Instead, three years later, a tepid brochure entitled ‘Consumer Product In- formation’ was printed telling consumers how they could buy government pamphlets that advise them generally how to buy canned goods, a suit of clothes and the like. No brand name information and no speci- fics. Perhaps, Congress can open hearings next year on how such a consumer information system should be established. Reducing government spending, ob- taining better products, advan- cing consumer justice and en- hancing superior competition add up to a package of consider- able appeal--to everyone, that is, except the producers and sellers who profit from wun- iformed buyers. Vote Nov. 7 Congress Votes is issued every week that Congress is in session. It covers all votes of record and reports the position taken on each measure by the elected official whose name appears below. Daniel J. Flood 11th Congressional District, Pennsylvania w’ Notice to Subscribers Thursday, October 19, 1972 The second session of the 92nd Congress ended on October 18th.. We will anticipate that the first working meetings of the 93rd Ofiress will be held during the fourth week of January. The next issue of CONGRESS VOTES will be dated January 25, 1973. It will cover the congressman elected from your district on November 7th. A conference report contains the recommendations of House and Senate conferees over differences in House and Senate versions of a particular bill. Under the rules of the House, a conference report is privileged and may be brought up for consideration ahead of most kinds of House business. On the conference report to H.R. 16754 which appropriates $2.3 billion for MILITARY CONSTRUCTION in fiscal 1973: Yeas 333. Nays 10. Agreed to. y MR. FLOOD VOTED YEA. On the conference report to H.R. 14989 which appropriates $4.7 billion for the activities during fiscal 1973 of the Depart- ments of STATE, JUSTICE, and COMMERCE, and other agencies: Yeas 333. Nays 3. Agreed to, Oct. 12. MR. FLOOD VOTED YEA. The FEDERAL ENVIRONMENTAL PESTICIDE CON- TROL 4ct (H.R. 10729) provides for regulating the manufacture and us®of most pesticides; also for indemnifying in certain in- stances owners of banned pesticides. On the conference report: Ayes 198. Noes 99. Agreed to, Oct. 12. MR. FLOOD VOTED AYE. H. Res. 1153 amends the Rules of the House, and includes provision for separate votes on NONGERMANE SENATE AMERSMENTS to legislation passed by the House. Yeas 281. Nays * Agreed to, Oct. 13. MR. FLOOD VOTED YEA. The Senate version of H.R. 16654 (Departments of Labor, and Health, Education, and Welfare appropriations) authorizes the President to reduce spending to $29.6 billion (from $30.5 billion). The Flood motion authorizes a spending cutback to $29.3 billion but otherwise concurs in the Senate version of H.R. 16654. Yeas 289. Nays 41. Motion agreed to, Oct. 13. MR. FLOOD VOTED YEA. The TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL Act (S. 1478) gives the Environmental Protection Agency authority to regulate the manufacture and distribution of chemical substances which are harmful to health and the environment. Yeas 240. Nays 61. hi (under suspension procedure), Oct. 13. MR. FLOOD VOTED YEA. H.R. 7287 prohibits trading in Irish POTATO FUTURES on commodity exchanges. On a motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 7287: Ayes 116. Noes 150. Rejected, Oct. 13. MR. FLOOD VOTED NO. The first vote of record in a rare Saturday session came on the question of approving the Journal of Friday’s proceedings. Yeas 248. Nays 3. Journal approved, Oct. 14. MR. FLOOD VOTED YEA. Presidential candidate Sen. George McGovern, standard-bearer for the Democratic Party, attracted a crowd ranging in estimates from 5,000 to 8,000 last Saturday morning at Scran- ton’s Courthouse Square, where he delivered a major address. Scranton police said 'it was the largest crowd to support a candidate since John Kennedy’s visit in 1959. First Influenza Immunizations Completed in Wyoming Valley The Luzerne and Wyoming County Medical Societies join with the Pennsylvania Department of Health in ex- pressing their appreciation to the two hundred volunteers who gave blood samples for a The results of the first round of Influenza immunizations being conducted in the Wyoming Valley are now tabulated. A total of 13,0 doses of vaccine was administe. . . Of this number, 4,230 persons H.R. 12006 broadens the scope of the LONGSHOREMEN'’S and HARBOR WORKERS’ COMPENSATION Act and liber- alizes the benefits for occupational injuries. Yeas 198. Nays 71. Passed (under suspension procedure), Oct. 13. MR. FLOOD VOTED YEA. H. Res. 1147 authorizes two trips to Europe and Asia by 14 members of the Committee of Public Works for the purpose of studying public transportation, water pollution, and other public-works related subjects. Yeas 202. Nays 46. Agreed to, Oct. 14. MR. FLOOD VOTED YEA. S. 4062 authorizes the acquisition of local bus companies by the WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSIT AUTH- ORITY. (This bill is similar to H.R. 16724 which failed to pass on Oct. 11). Yeas 184. Nays 60. Passed (under suspension pro- cedure), Oct. 14. MR. FLOOD VOTED YEA. H.J. Res. 1331 provides interim funding of the FOREIGN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM at an annual rate of $4 billion until Feb. 28, 1973. Yeas 163. Nays 73. Joint resolution passed (but see below), Oct. 14. MR. FLOOD VOTED YEA. H Res. 1166 provides for House concurrence in the Senate version of H.R. 16071, as amended. H.R. 16071 (originally passed and ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS. Yeas 155. Nays 64. Agreed to, Oct. 14. MR. FLOOD VOTED YEA. The conference report on H.R. 1 makes numerous changes in existing SOCIAL SECURITY, MEDICARE, and MEDICAID PROGRAMS; also it federalizes the present state programs providing aid to the AGED, BLIND, and DISABLED. The social security and hospital insurance tax rates are increased to 5.85 percent (from 5.5 percent) in 1973 on the first $10,800 of income. Yeas 305. Nays 1. Conference report agreed to, Oct. 17. MR. FLOOD VOTED YEA. The conference report on H.R. 16810 does not change in any substancial way the provisions of the bill which relate to an in- crease in the PUBLIC DEBT and the Congressional study of ways to improve CONTROL OVER SPENDING. The report does curtail the authority given the President to LIMIT SPEND- ING to $250 billion in fiscal 1973. Yeas 166. Nays 137. Agreed to, Oct. 17. MR. FLOOD VOTED YEA. The Senate later rejected the conference report on H.R. 16810. Conferees met again and deleted for all practical pur- poses the directive to the President to limit spending to $250 billion during fiscal 1973. The second conference report on H.R. 16810 was passed in the house by a non-record vote on Oct. 18. The conference report on H.J. Res. 1331 reduces the annual funding rate of the FOREIGN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM to $3.7 billion (from the $4 billion rate authorized in the bill passed on Oct. 14). Yeas 188. Nays 80. Agreed to. MR. FLOOD VOTED YEA. authorizes the spending of $24.6 billion over a 3-year period for WATER POLLUTION ABATEMENT, the House voted: Yeas 247. Nays 23. Passed, Oct. 18. MR. FLOOD VOTED YEA. H. Con. Res. 726 provides for Congressional adjournment sine die on Oct. 18. Yeas 239. Nays 21. Agreed to, Oct. 18. MR. FLOOD VOTED YEA. HOUSE VOTING ACTIVITY during the second session was up slightly from the level reached during the first session of the 92nd Congress despite the fact that the most recent session ad- journed two months earlier. received a recall or booster shot to their previously acquired series, and 8,850 persons received their first shot in their required series of two. The age breakdown was as follows: 18 to 25 - 1,537, 25 to 50 - 4,088, and over 50 - 7,455. While the turnout was. below expectations, of- ficials were pleased at the number of ‘over 50” who compose the high risk group and are therefore the “target population.” During the month of November, the second round will be conducted for the 8,850 persons who need to complete their series. Those persons who missed the first round and need only a recall or booster shot are invited to get one in November; however, those 'who missed the first round and need a series of two shots to achieve maximum protection are invited to come to a clinic for their first shot, but they wil have to go to their private physician for their second shot some time in December. comprehensive study on the antibody response developed by this refined Influenza vaccine. One hundred volunteers who did not have a history of taking flu shots or did not have a recent flu infection offered blood samples for a test control, 100 volunteers who had a history of flu shots a ‘before and after” sample taken, and 100 volunteers will have ‘‘after’” second shot samples taken for comparative studies. A ‘‘spin-off”’ bonus to this program will be a concentrated effort to have immediate reporting of any diagnosed case of Influenza involving a non- recipient of the flu vaccine in order that a team consisting of a public = health ‘nurse and laboratory technician can follow up ‘and hopefully secure throat washings and a blood specimen for analysis for virus type. It is reported that a new virus strain has been isolated in England, but has not yet been detected in the United States. Oct. 28 prizes are on the agenda. Nov. 17 Page 5 DALLAS TOWNSHIP A collision occurred Sunday, morning at the Main Road in- tersection on Route 309, when David J. Kemdra, Germania Street, Ashley, making a right turn on Main Road, struck the passenger side of a 1970 Am- bassodor Sedan, driven by J. Robert Nuss Sr., RD 3, Dallas. Mr. Nuss was approaching a stop sign at the intersection when the mishap took place. No one was injured. Patrolman Lamoreux investigated the accident. Four College Misericordia girls were injured Saturday afternoon when the brakes failed on the car in which they were driving, Joanne Moriarty, New York City, Ruthie Walsh, Kingston, Mary Esther Van- shura, Shamokin and Bridget Farley, Dallas, ‘all sustained injuries in the accident and were taken to Nesbitt Hospital for treatment. The car was Avenue, Scranton. On Friday there was a slight accident near the intersection of Routes 118 and 415 investigated by Patrolman Charles Coombs. Rosemary Brooks, RD 4, Dallas, traveling north on Route 415, pulled in front of a car driven by Gail Tereska, RD 1, Dallas, who was going in a southerly direction. Damages to both cars totaled $1000. Frank Daniels, Brooklyn, N.Y., was arrested for reckless driving last Wednesday when he failed to negotiate a turn on Lower Demunds Road, hit a culvert and continued out of control into a deep ditch nearby. Mr. Daniels showed signs of intoxication at the time of the accident. He was taken to Nesbitt Hospital for injuries. Officer Carl Miers investigated the accident. KINGSTON TOWNSHIP On Oct. 21, Ann Rother, 42 Oak St., Wilkes-Barre, lost control of her car and struck the rear end of a Buick sedan driven by Harold J. Young, Ferguson Street, Shavertown. Miss Rother reported that she lost control of the car when her. car seat loosened. Patrolman Pugh and Lohmann in- vestigated the accident. There were no injuries. DALLAS BOROUGH On Monday evening Michael Cummings, Church Road, Mountaintop, was struck in the right front wheel of his 1970 Dodge by Roberta Mesite, Conn., who was pulling out onto Main Street near the Mill Street intersection. Officer Severn Newberry investigated the minor collision. An accident resulting in $1300 damages to the two cars in- volved occurred Oct. 20 on Route 415. Thomas Petrikonis, Plymouth Road, Edwardsville, was traveling north on 415 and pulled into the passing lane at the same time Wayne Hildebrand, Clearview Avenue, Trucksville, was passing the Petrikonis vehicle. No one was injured. a Stanley Mareski, Davenport Street, Plymouth, was injured last Friday morning and taken to Nesbitt Hospital when he attempted to turn from the A and P parking lot into the path of an oncoming car, which was driven by Terry Smith, Box 609, Harveys Lake. Damages to both cars totaled $1300. Chief Ray Titus investigated the accident. Planetariums, museums, concerts, antiques, flowers, livestock—something for ‘everyone—are featured on Pennsylvania’s November calendar of events. There are also flea markets, country fairs, horse shows, hobby and gift shows, and parades on the agenda. And, of special interest to many will be a Chinese Festival, Disney on Parade, and the 109th An- niversary of Lincoln’s Get- tysburg Adress. The month will end with the lighting of the court house tree at World, Ind., the “Christmas Tree Capital of the World,”” and the Ice Follies of 1973 in Her- shey. Daily planetarium shows are Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, and at the Franklin Institute, 20th Street and Ben Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia. The show in Lancaster is Tuesday through Friday, 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 2 and 3 p.m. An exhibit at Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th and Park- way, Philadelphia, takes a horizonatal look at arts of the world at the time Columbus discovered America. For further information on what's happening in Penn- sylvania during November, write to the Pennsylvania Travel Development Bureau, 402 South Office Building, at the Gate of Heaven School auditorium. A basket of cheer will be awarded in a drawing Dec. 1 Nov. 13 The guidance officer and residents at the State Correction Institute at Dallas will speak to the members of the Holy Name Society of Gate of Heaven and their guests. The speakers will answer questions about prison life and prison reform. Nov. 4 3 The United Methodist Women of the Dymond Hollow Church will serve a roast beef dinner at the church, with serving to continue from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. No tickets may be purchased at the door. Nov. 4 Tender Tom Turkey will make another command per- formance at the Dallas Chapter of the Eastern Star’s annual turkey dinner, scheduled for the Jackson Fire Hall at Chase. Ambulance Log DALLAS Oct. 18—Frank Daniels, RD 1, Dallas to Nesbitt Hospital. Crew: Jim Davies, Bob Cartier. Davenport St., Plymouth to Nesbitt Hospital. Crew: Bob Besecker, Bob Cartier. Oct. 21—Automobile accident at College Misericordia. JoAnn Ave., Kingston to Nesbitt Hospital. Crew: Mike McFadden, Bob Besecker, Len Roginski. Oct. 21—Sadie Thomas, Westminster Drive, Dallas to General Hospital. Crew: Bob Besecker, Mike McFadden, Len Roginski. Oct. 21—Marie Lewis; RD 1 Williamsport to Nesbitt Hospital. Crew: Bob Besecker, Mike McFadden, Len Roginski. Oct. 23—Robert Eipper, Lake Catalpa, Dallas to Nesbitt Hospital. Crew: Dick Disque, Len Roginski. NOXEN Oct. 12—Mrs. Bruce Cardone to General Hospital. Crew: Ralph McCormick and Robert Crispell. Oct. 16—Brenda Harper to General Hospital. Crew: Jerry Talent and Calvin Strohl. Oct. 20—Walter Pilger to General Hospital. Crew: Ralph McCor- mick and Jerry Talent. offered at the North Museum, Nov. 1-7: Open House—Ironmaster’s House and Museum, Skippack Pike, Center Point, Worchester Township. House (9 a.m.—9 p.m. daily and 1--5 p.m. Sun.) Nov. 15 Organ Concerts—Longwood Gardens, Kennet Square (8:30 p.m.) Nov. 4—5: Antiques Show—Fire Hall, 425 Locust St., Denver (Sat. 11 am.—9 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.—6 p.m.) Nov. 4—10: Keystone International Livestock Expo—Farm Show Building, Maclay and Cameron Sts., Harrisburg. Nov. 5: Philadelphia Flea Market—Independence Mall (12—7 p.m.) Nov. 5: Fall Flower Show—Phipps Conservatory, Oaklands Schenley Park, Pittsburgh. Nov. 6—8: Antiques Show—New Century Club, High Street, West Chester (Mon. 2—10 p.m.; Tues. 11 a.m.—10 p.m; Wed. 11 am.—5 p.m.) Nov. 7: Country Fair—Historic Preservation Trust of Lebanon County. Isaac Meier Homestead, Myerstown. Nov. 9—11: Antiques Show—Fair Grounds, York. Nov. 10—12: Antiques Show and Saie—86 leading antique exhibitors from all over the nation. Civic Arena, Pittsburgh. | Nov. 10: Chinese Festival—Civic Center Museum, 34th Street and Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia. Nov. 12: Ceremonies—Veterans Day Parade, National Cemetery (2 p.m.) Nov. 13—19: Disney on Parade—Spectrum, Broad Street and Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia. Nov. 14—15: Horse Show—Lippizzan Stallions, Hershey Park Arena. Nov. 16: Exhibit—Hi-design in fashion art presented by Mer- cyhurst Collegians studying fiber—fabrics course, Mer- cyhurst Zurn Recital Hall, 501 East 38, Erie (7 p.m.) Nov. 17—19: Pittsburgh Hobby and Gift Show—Civic Arena Exhibit Hall, Pittsburgh. Nov. 19: Peogeanr ith Annual Little Miss Christmas Contest, 8—11 year old girls model fashions. Manos Theater Downtown, Ind. Nov. 23: Thanksgiving Day Parade—5,000 marchers along Ben Franklin Parkway herald holiday season, arrival of Santa Claus, features balloons, bands, floats, TV, screen, stage per- sonalities. Nov. 23: Ceremony—Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Queen lights Court House Tree at the Christmas Tree Capital of the World, Ind. Nov. 24—26: Exhibition—Uniontown Poultry and Farm Products Show, Poultry Building, Fayette County Fair Grounds, Rt. 119 between Uniontown and Connellsville (10 a.m.—10 p.m.) A Nov. 28—Dec. 3: Ice Follies of 1973—Hershey Park Arena, Hershey. Gettysburg
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers