LBJ Asks for More Money for Vietnam War

May 4, 1965 - President Johnson asked Congress today to appropriate $700 million in extra funds to finance the expanding war in Vietnam. Increased American fighting there “may well have already brought us closer to peace,” he said.

The military subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee approved the President’s request this afternoon. Senate committees will meet tomorrow on the subject.

Although there was scattered criticism of Johnson’s policies — including some from Sen. Wayne Morse (D-Ore.) — it appeared that Congress would rally around the President.

Morse said he would vote against the $700 million request because neither the President nor Congress had the right to fight an “undeclared war” in Vietnam.

In related news, 1200 American paratroops began landing before dawn today to set up strengthened defenses around the large U.S. air base at Bienhoa, South Vietnam.

Brig. Gen. Ellis Williamson, commander of the 173d Airborne Brigade, said the remainder of his 3,500 troops would arrive in South Vietnam shortly.

The general, a ruddy-faced, 47-year-old officer with a gray crewcut, said the role of his unit had not yet been worked out with the South Vietnamese.

“I am sure my men will want, as I do, to get out for action,” he said.

The general, who is from Raleigh, N.C., said the 173d Airborne Brigade had been preparing for duty in Vietnam “for some time.”

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