226 



HISTORY OF THE ( OMMITTi I ON SCUM t AND TECHNOLOGY 



Chairman Miller worked out a strategy which was ingenious. 

 First he shushed all the Democrats on the committee and advised them 

 he didn't want any speeches on the floor by Democrats either favoring 

 or opposing the Center. The Democrats fell in line. Knowing that the 

 attack would be led by Wydlcr, and possibly joined by some Re- 

 publicans, Miller's strategy was to have only one speech by any mem- 

 ber of the committee in support of the Center, and that speech was to 

 be given by former Speaker Martin. 



When Martin arose to defend the Center on August 1, 1963, he had 

 a vast amount of sympathy. Republicans revered him as a former 

 Speaker and longtime leader of the party, in his final years in the 

 House of Representatives. Democrats loved him because he was an 

 institution, and also he was one of the most friendly and cooperative 

 Republicans you could find. Finally, each Member of the House 

 thoroughly understood and sympathized with Martin's approach to 

 speak out for his area — which was after all the central function of a 

 Representative. Martin's speech was a masterpiece; he met the issue of 

 political favoritism head on: 



I am surprised that so much hysteria has been built up here concerning this 

 suggested authorization. To my knowledge there is not as much politics in this 

 proposal as they are trying to make out. 



I never knew Senator Kennedy until after the election. But he was elected. I do 

 know politics to a certain extent, and I am around where I hear the gossip. I do not 

 think Senator Kennedy had the slightest thing to do with this until after he was 

 elected Senator. Overtures might have been made, but to my knowledge there is no 

 politics like they suggest. The allegation is a red herring being drawn to defeat the 

 New England proposal. 



I know, of course, Senator Kennedy is in favor of the Massachusetts research 

 laboratory. If he did oppose it he would not be a Senator now, or probably would 

 not be the next time, because any Senator or Representative must stand up for his 

 State and work for his State when he is in office. 



I do not think the Republicans opposed to the Massachusetts site are making 

 much political hay by trying to create this issue. * * * 



This Science Committee consists of a good group of men and they all know 

 their stuff, speaking in the language of the street * * *. Let us not rebuke our own 

 committee and take it away from them. I hope the amendment is defeated. 



And so, when the Members walked down the aisle to vote by "tellers," 

 Wydler's amendment went down to defeat by 111 to 64. Martin's 

 support had won the day. 



After all, Members of the House realized that there was a lot of 

 clout when the President and the Speaker of the House were both from 

 Massachusetts. Congressmen don't like to go out of their way to 

 offend high officials with long memories. 



At the close of 1963, Webb checked with Chairman Miller and 

 Chairman Anderson of the Senate committee and got their approval 



