Jan. 11, 1962 - President Kennedy asked the 87th Congress today to give him new authority to reduce tariffs, cut personal income taxes in an economic emergency, and strengthen the welfare programs of the nation. In a confident State of the Union message that gave unusual emphasis to economic and welfare issues rather than military measures, the President called for a low-tariff trade partnership with the free world and a domestic program designed to improve the nation’s economy, social well-being, and education. The President, looking fit at the end of his first year in the White House, was well received by the Democratic majority in Congress. The Republicans, however, showed little enthusiasm for what they regarded as a liberal election-year shopping list unlikely to be achieved this year, if ever.
