National Affairs: Work Done

Last week the House:

> Passed bills authorizing $300,000,000 to strengthen anti-aircraft defenses; $909,000,000 to expand shipyards, double Naval ordnance facilities, add 400 various-sized new ships to the Navy; making appropriations and authorizations for a $350,000,000 cargo ship construction program; extending time in which defense industries may apply for plant amortization until 60 days after construction begins. Total appropriated and authorized for defense: $1,559,000,000.

> Received the Doughton Bill raising the national debt limit to $65,000,000,000, and providing for taxes on future Federal securities.

> Received President Roosevelt’s request for $175,000,000 to clothe and equip the Army, which is scheduled to total 1,418,097 men by June i.

The Senate:

> Sympathized in private with Vice President Henry Wallace, presiding for the first time over a parliamentary body.

> Confirmed the nomination of Charles Harwood as Governor of the Virgin Islands.

> Passed and sent to the White House this week a bill to increase Naval Academy appointments from 2,375 to 2,968.

> Mostly dawdled.