The House Un-American Activities Committee nearly eluded its critics in the Congress recently with a maneuver that seemed suspiciously secretive for so patriotic a body. Hoping to catch anti-HUAC speakers unprepared, the House leadership rushed a $300,000 authorization for the investigating group to the floor just one hour after it had been approved by the Committee on House Administration. The measure passed, but not until Representatves Burton (D-Calif.), Ryan (D-N.Y.), and Farbstein (D-N.Y.) had chided it liberally.
In the last few sessions of Congress, HUAC has accumulated a growing number of vociferous enemies who charge that it is wasteful as well as dangerously reactionary. The Committee has managed to pass only three laws in twenty-six years. In 1963 only twenty-six bills were referred to it. Its 61-member staff is the third largest among House committees.
Opponents of HUAC deserve a chance to debate not only the Committee's dubious activities, but also the economy of its operation. If HUAC uses tricks to avoid its critics, it will only convince more Congressmen that it should be abolished.
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