This Day In 1970's History: Friday December 10, 1971
- The Senate confirmed William Rehnquist's nomination as Supreme Court justice. Senator Birch Bayh's move to postpone the vote failed. All of the Democratic party's presidential hopefuls voted against Rehnquist's confirmation along with Republicans Edward Brooke, Clifford Case and Jacob Javits. Bayh stated that he is concerned about Rehnquist's stand on civil rights and his conservatism on the Supreme Court. Rehnquist thanked the Senate for confirming him and thanked President Nixon for his nomination. The President has now seated four conservative Supreme Court justices. [CBS]
- Senator Mike Mansfield abandoned his campaign to attach an end-the-war amendment to the foreign aid bill, which is now due to be continued for three months. The Senate also extended the President's authority on economic control and passed a cancer research bill, but a bill on campaign reform was postponed. The Senate may override President Nixon's veto of the anti-poverty bill and its child care program. [CBS]
- President Nixon signed the tax cut bill; car tax refunds will be issued. Tax benefits take effect immediately. The bill contains a check-off for taxpayer funding of campaign costs, but that provision is not effective until 1976. [CBS]
- House Appropriations Committee chairman George Mahon warned that the national debt may become a "googol" -- a 1 followed by 100 zeros. [CBS]
- Fighting was heavy in the Kashmir region of India. India reportedly has troops on the Meghna River, 25 miles from Dacca, East Pakistan. Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi is considering the United Nations' cease-fire proposal, though India is crushing Pakistani resistance in Bangladesh.
A senior officer in East Pakistan appealed to the United Nations in terms suggesting defeat or surrender. General Farman Ali Khan cabled United Nations Secretary General U Thant to ask for aid in repatriating civil and military personnel from East to West Pakistan. Pakistani President Yahya Khan also cabled the United Nations, advising it to disregard the General's message. [CBS]
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