Safe on First

Dwight Eisenhower's tariff program slithered through the House two months ago (TIME, Feb. 28) by 193 to 192 on the key vote, paradoxically saved by Protectionist Leader Dan Reed, who switched is vote to honor a prior promise. Last week the tariff bill wiggled by its first test in the Senate Finance Committee 8 to 7, saved this time by the help of its most determined Senate foe.

Nevada's dour Senator George "Molly" Malone growled that he is against extending reciprocal trade agreement authority "for three years, two years, one year, or three minutes." On that basis he disappointed his protectionist friend, Colorado's Senator Eugene Millikin, who moved to cut the bill's term from three years to two. Millikin's amendment was backed by four other Republicans (Pennsylvania's Martin, Delaware's Williams, Kansas' Carlson, Utah's Bennett) and two Democrats (Oklahoma's Kerr, Delaware's Frear). Upholding the President's side were six Democrats (Virginia's Byrd, Georgia's George, Louisiana's Long, Florida's Smathers. Texas' Johnson, Kentucky's Barkley) and, besides the unlikely Malone, only one Republican, Vermont's Flanders.

On other amendments last week, the high-tariff lobbies, led by textilemen, got what they wanted. The Finance Committee put in a requirement that the Tariff Commission make public its recommendations for tariff relief as soon as it sends them to the White House. Under present law, they are kept secret for 60 days, giving the President a chance to mull over his decisions free of pressure.

Georgia's Walter George worried about the current tariff negotiations with Japan, at which the State Department may concede up to 50% of present duty rates. Under the pending bill, another 15% would be allowed. George proposed allowing one reduction or the other, but not both. The committee stapled George's, amendment onto the bill, eleven to one. The one: Nevada's Malone.

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