The Depression Papers of Herbert Hoover

The Federal Budget

Hoover gained a reputation as an economizer during the war, when he directed programs to reduce civilian consumption of food and other goods. When the depression reduced tax revenues, he turned his economization efforts toward the federal budget, urging Congress repeatedly to reject pork-barrel bills and new ongoing expenses. At the same time he sought ways to reduce spending in the executive branch.

• Letter, April 18, 1930
  Hoover informs a senator of the projected budget deficit.
• Press statement, July 18, 1930
  Hoover discusses appropriations for federal public works projects, and announces an effort to reduce costs throughout the government.
• Press conference statement, December 9, 1930
  Hoover objects to budget increases proposed by Congress.
• Statement, June 2, 1931
  Hoover reports the amount saved in the Department of Agriculture under the economy program.
• Press statement, June 2, 1931
  Hoover reports on the status of the federal budget.
• Address, September 21, 1931
  Hoover urges members of the American Legion to support a balanced budget.
• Press conference statement, September 25, 1931
  Hoover urges voluntary organizations not to request increases in the federal budget.
• Press conference statement, October 16, 1931
  Hoover summarizes the problems of balancing the budget.
• Press conference statement, November 6, 1931
  Hoover reports the results of the government economy efforts.
• Press conference statement, December 29, 1931
  Hoover advocates a reorganization of the federal government for better efficiency.
• Press conference statement, January 8, 1932
  Hoover urges the public to support a balanced budget.

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