The Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (popularly known as the Kestnbaum Commission) was created by an act of the United States Congress on July 10, 1953, to make recommendations for the solution of problems involving federal and state governments. Its final report was issued on June 28, 1955.
At the time he made appointments to the Commission, President Eisenhower described it as "an historic undertaking: the elimination of frictions, duplications and waste from Federal-state relations; the clear definition of lines of Governmental authority in our nation; the increase in efficiency in a multitude of Governmental programs vital to the welfare of all Americans."[1]
Controversy
The original chairman, Clarence Manion, was asked to resign in February 1954 by the White House, apparently over his advocacy of the Bricker Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. He had also been criticized for frequent absences, and lecture tours attacking the Tennessee Valley Authority.[2] Meyer Kestnbaum was appointed to replace him in April.[3]
Dudley White, Ohio newspaper publisher, who had been appointed executive director for the commission,[4] resigned in protest over Manion's ouster; Noah M. Mason also resigned from the Commission.[5]
Commission members
The commission had twenty-five members. Fifteen were appointed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, five by the Speaker of the House, and five by the President of the Senate.
Presidential appointees:
- Clarence Manion, Chairman, until February 1954
- Meyer Kestnbaum, Chairman, from April 1954
- Gov. Alfred E. Driscoll, Vice-Chair
- Prof. William Anderson
- Lawrence A. Appley
- Gov. John S. Battle
- John E. Burton
- Marion Bayard Folsom
- Mayor Charles P. Henderson
- Oveta Culp Hobby
- Ex-Gov. Sam H. Jones
- Clark Kerr
- Alice K. Leopold
- Val Peterson
- Gov. Allan Shivers
- Dan Thornton
U.S. Senate:
- Sen. Alan Bible (filled vacancy)
- Sen. John Marshall Butler (filled vacancy)
- Sen. Guy Cordon (left office January, 1955)
- Sen. Robert C. Hendrickson (left office January, 1955)
- Sen. Clyde R. Hoey (died May 12, 1954)
- Sen. Hubert H. Humphrey
- Sen. Wayne L. Morse (filled vacancy)
- Sen. Andrew F. Schoeppel
U.S. House:
- Rep. John D. Dingell
- Rep. James I. Dolliver
- Rep. Brooks Hays
- Rep. Angier Goodwin (filled vacancy)
- Rep. Noah M. Mason (resigned February 18, 1954)
- Rep. Harold C. Ostertag
References
- ^ Leviero, Anthony (September 19, 1953). "Eisenhower Names 14 for Survey Unit: Completes Panel That Will Study Governmental Relations — Leaves for Capital Today". The New York Times. Denver, Colorado. p. 6.
- ^ "Manion Ousted by White House As Head of Governmental Survey: Manion Is Ousted From Survey Post". The New York Times. Washington, D.C. February 18, 1954. pp. 1, 34.
- ^ Loftus, Joseph A. (April 22, 1954). "Chicagoan Named To Head U.S. Board: Meyer Kestnbaum Appointed by President To Replace Ousted Manion". The New York Times. Augusta, Georgia. p. 20.
- ^ "Publisher Is Appointed to Eisenhower Board". The New York Times. Washington, D.C. Associated Press. November 14, 1953. p. 8.
- ^ "2 Quit in Protest on Manion Ouster: Adams Accused of 'Autocratic Dictatorship' as Illinois Representative Resigns". The New York Times. Washington, D.C. February 19, 1954. p. 17.
Sources
- "10 Senators Join Panels; Nixon Names Them to Review Economic and Tax Policies". The New York Times. Washington, D.C. Associated Press. August 8, 1953. p. 6.
- The Commission On Intergovernmental Relations. Washington, D.C.: United States. June 1955. OCLC 27361739 – via UNT Digital Library.