Log Jam Ahead

In the Senate, the debate on the "tide-lands" bill droned on. (Illinois' ex-Professor Paul Douglas had a portable bookcase full of law books wheeled on to the floor to beef up his arguments.) But the show lacked suspense. Everyone knew that the Senate, no matter how long it talked, would pass a bill giving states title to the submerged lands off their coasts.

Meanwhile, legislative time was flying. By midweek, Majority Leader Bob Taft ordered daily sessions (instead of a session every other day). The Republican Policy Committee laid down an immediate schedule: after tidelands, economic controls, and then Hawaii statehood. (Still without a definite place on the schedule: revision of the Taft-Hartley law.) When appropriations bills reach the floor, the schedule may be disrupted, for they will get the right of way.

All this added up to a serious legislative log jam for the weeks ahead. Republican leaders were freely admitting that all hope for adjourning by July 4, the original target, was gone. Congress will be in session until at least the end of July.

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