Harry.s.

truman
On february 10,1941,Harry.S.Truman’s speech in senator changes his
destiny.upon the request of president,franklin roosevelt,congress appropriated
the more than $ 10.5 billion to bolster national defense buildup.Truman
cautioned against awarding defense contracts in a way which makes rich the
richer and poor the poorer & advised not to distribute the contracts on the
basis of friendship or political affiliation.Truman proposed an “Investigation
of national defense program and the handling of contracts.”

Senate resolution 71 created the special committee to Investigate the National

Defense program with seven members,and chairman-Harry Truman was
facilitated with staff and money to run this committee.The report made by the
committee earned respect from members of congress.Through series of
resolutions,the life of committee was extended.

Describing the rumors circulating in washington about favoritism and

profiteering in awarding defense contracts,truman delivered a radio address in
which he confirmed that how defense contracts are given illegally.During the
radio address,Truman asked americans to report the irregularities of the
contract.And in response to that committee was flooded with letters from
across the country.

Senators publicly claimed the committee was not seeking headlines,however

they understood the importance of frequent press releases and the value of the
public knowing the committee’s activities.

Before his first meeting,Truman studied the reports of the controversial civil
war era - Joint committee on the conduct of war in which he concluded that
the formation of the committee was not being accepted by some people who
turned out to be violent.The chairman had taken a resolution that the
committee would be a guardian to the people.

Under the leadership of Truman,the committee investigated wartime

shortages,cost overruns,nepotism in hiring,fraud and labor strikes.For its first
investigation,committee selected troop quarters and in that regards visited the
same.During the visit the problem of cost over run was noticed.
Investigation of parts and manufacturing revealed how inadequate the quality
of the same was and at times it was also dysfunctional.An army Air force
Inspector complained the committee about the quality of the engine and also
shared instances wherein he tried to complaint the same to the concerned and
he in turn was asked not to be choosey during war time instead.The employees
there shared about the manipulation of paperwork.

At december 8,1941,critics at white house and within congress asked to

dissolve the committee.But the committee opposed with an argument of the
work they have done in 8 months and the committee further promised to work
more and solve the issues head on.In many instances,Truman have actually
criticized the working of defense planning.senator Arthur vanderburg of
michigan asked Truman who was to blame for lack of organization and
coordination in defense.Truman held that white house was responsible.

The reports of the Truman committee boosted the executive branch to

introduce a new agency-War production board(WPB).Even this agency was
soon scrutinized by the Truman committee,and also noted issues like conflict
of interest.

The Truman committee was proved to be a watchdog during critical times of

nation’s history,and the efforts of Truman were truly appreciated.In 1948,the
senate made Truman committee as Permanent and also formed
subcommittees on Investigating governmental affairs committee.
The greatest times of the committee was when Truman was leading it.He was
named as “one of the ten most valuable officials in washington”.Truman who
was vice president only for four months,made it to being American President
after the untimely death of Roosevelt.