Nation: CONGRESS: THE LONG, SLACK SEASON

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In the Senate, Democratic and Republican liberals have been filling the void by raising fundamental questions on military tactics in Viet Nam, overseas commitments generally, arms procurement and domestic priorities. This activity does not directly produce much legislation, but George McGovern's hunger investigation did help pressure the White House into formulating a much broader food-distribution program for the poor than had previously been envisioned. Vigorous Senate opposition to the anti-ballistic missile system forced the Administration to overhaul the plan and is now delaying approval of the new proposal. Torpid and disorganized as it seems, Congress nonetheless retains considerable power—far more, in fact, than some of its own senior members are willing to exercise.

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