Although the pension would be subject to computation of annual income under 38 U.S.C. 503, the scope of the retirement-income exclusion would be broadened to exclude payments received under a retirement plan after recoupment of individual contributions to any such plan. Almost all World War I veterans are of retirement age, or approaching retirement age. Considering that retirement Income is normally derived from some form of public or private retirement plan, it is questionable whether the proposed income limitations would be meaningful.

"In any event, the basis for excluding retirement payments is not appar ent. They are available for sup port to the same extent as income from other sources... "The enactment of H.R. 3745 would provide a pension of $102.37 or $102.38 for veterans of World War I with no disability requirement or effective test of need. In effect, it would supersede the disability pension program now provided for them, except as to those requiring aid and attendance. Further, it would, to a large extent, supplant the existing compensation program for World War I veterans with service-connected disability of 50 percent or less. This, because the pension rate proposed by the bill would exceed the wartime compensation rate currently payable for 50-percent disability. "Enactment of H.R. 3745 may

well stimulate requests for a similar pension, or for an increase in pension rates, for veterans of World War II or the Korean conflict who are currently eligible for pension on the same basis as World War I veterans. It might also result in requests for similar treatment in the death pension programs for widows and children of such veterans...

"From the inception of the program of pension for veterans of World War I, it has been the consistent policy of the Congress to require that the pension be paid on the basis of disability and need.... I believe these requirements are reasonable and should be retained. Because H.R. 3745 contains neither a disability requirement nor effective tests of need, in my opinion it goes beyond the Government's pension obligation to these veterans. "For the reasons indicated, I recommend that the bill be not favorably considered.**

"Advice has been received from the Bureau of the Budget that enactment of H.R. 3745 and related bills would not be in accord with the program of the President."

See H.R. 2912.

See H.R. 3745.

Eliminates requirement that Civil War widows be married to veteran prior to June 27, 1905. Present law permits payment of pension if married prior to above date, or for a period of 5 or more years, or for any period of time if a child was born of the marriage. See H.R. 209.

World War I honorably discharged veterans with 90 days' service paid $100 a month with no limitation as to annual income. See H.R. 3745.

Extends all benefits available to veterans of World War I and their survivors to those with service in Mexico and on the Mexican border between May 9, 1916, and Apr. 6, 1917, and their survivors. Eliminates income limitation for widows and children of World War I, World War II, or the Korean conflict, and pays a pension of $60 a month plus $15 for each child.

Excludes income from retirement funds of any type (such as social security and railroad retirement or private plans) or annuities, endowments, or similar plans, and commercial life insurance death benefits up to $10,000 in computing income of veterans, widows, or children for pension purposes.

See H.R. 209.

See H.R. 271.

See H.R. 660.

"I believe that the current service requirements are reasonable and I do not favor granting pension or other veterans' benefits based on periods of nonmilitary activity. Accordingly, and in view of its precedential aspects, it is my view that H.R. 5216 should not be favorably considered."

Permits restoration of remarried widows or married children to compensation or pension rolls if marriage of the widow is void or annulled by a court of competent jurisdiction or remarriage of widow is void or annulled on a ground going to the essentials of the marriage relationship and in the annulment action there was no fraud. or collusion by the woman and she either was the aggrieved party or mentally incompetent at time of remarriage.

Prohibits payment of pension or compensation to a widow who has, after the death of her husband, openly lived with another man and held herself out to the public as his wife, although not remarried. See H.R. 3745.

Eliminates date or length of marriage requirements for payment of pension to World War I widows.