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> A tax hike came very late, in view of the economy's inflationary fever. Moreover, Congress abdicated its purse string power by insisting that the Administration cut $6 billion from expenditures. This may be a more important shift in congressional philosophy than the end of the long-standing alliance between Republicans and Southern conservatives, achieved by the new G.O.P. leadership's policy of offering alternatives, rather than merely saying "No."
Final Throes. As adjournment approached, the weary Congress still faced the possibility that the President might try to push through the nuclear non-proliferation treaty and offer a new nominee for Chief Justice of the U.S. in place of scorned Abe Fortas. Johnson decided against submitting another nomination, but insisted that Congress act on the nuclear treaty before adjournment. The Senate, as it has frequently done during the session, ignored the President and pushed for adjournment. The House, however, was prevented from following suit by a group of liberal Democrats who hoped to keep both chambers in session until the TV-debates bill could be approved. They thereby succeeded in prolonging the life of the 90th Congress at least until this week.