Reorganization of Prohibition Enforcement

Report Outline
Evolution of Federal Enforcement Agencies
Present Proposals for New Reorganization

When Congress recessed in June the “unfinished business” of the Senate was the Jones resolution looking to reorganization of federal prohibition enforcement agencies along the lines desired by President Hoover, This resolution-and not the Hawley-Smoot tariff bill-will be the first measure laid before the Senate for action when that body resumes its legislative sessions on September 4.

President Hoover, in a special message to Congress, June 6, 1929, recommended the immediate creation of a joint congressional committee to formulate plans for a reorganization of prohibition enforcement. The pending resolution, closely following the text of the President's recommendation, was offered in the Senate on the same day by Senator Jones, R., Washington. A similar resolution was presented in the House by Rep. Stalker, R., New York, co-sponsor of the Jones-Stalker act, providing heavier penalties for violation of the Volstead law.

The President urged prompt action on his recommendation, in order that the proposed committee might make its studies during the present special session and have legislation ready for final action when the next regular session convenes in December. The Jones resolution was favorably reported, June 12, by the Senate Judiciary Committee. As amended by the committee, the resolution would provide for the appointment of a special committee of three senators and three representatives, with instructions to report in December. The Stalker resolution remained in the hands of the House Rules Committee when the summer recess was taken. In the existing situation, appointment of the proposed joint committee aust wait upon action by the lower body, which is not expected to summon a quorum for the transaction of legislative business until the middle of October.