In its first session, the 83rd U.S. Congress:
Appropriated a total of $52.9 billion, $13.3 billion less than Harry Truman proposed and $3.9 billion less than Dwight Eisenhower requested.
Approved, with minor cuts, the President's defense bill, with its controversial reduced goal for the Air Force.
Accepted the Administration's Mutual Security program, after slimming it down to $4.5 billion in new funds.
Adopted the President's tax program, i.e., extended the excess profits tax and made no change in income tax rates.
Extended the reciprocal trade program, and empowered the President to appoint a commission to study the whole foreign trade question.
Continued the presidential power to...