If we are ever to solve our mounting traffic problem, the whole interstate system must be authorized as one project, to be completed approximately within the specified time.  Only in this way can industry efficiently gear itself to the job ahead.  Only in this way can the required planning and engineering be accomplished without the confusion and waste unavoidable a piecemeal approach.  Furthermore, as I pointed out last year, the pressing nature of this problem must not lead us to solutions outside the bounds of sound fiscal management.  As in the case of other pressing problems, there must be an adequate plan of financing.  To continue the drastically needed improvement in other national highway systems, I recommend the continuation of the Federal Aid Highway Program.

Aside from agriculture and the four subjects specifically mentioned, an integral part of our efforts to foster a strong and expanding free economy is keeping open the door of opportunity to new and small enterprises, checking monopoly, and preserving a competitive environment.  In this past year the steady improvement in the economic health of small business has reinforced the vitality of our competitive economy.  We shall continue to help small business concerns to obtain access to adequate financing and to competent counsel on management, production, and marketing problems.

Through measures already taken, opportunities for smallbusiness participation in government procurement programs, including military procurement, are greatly improved.  The effectiveness of these measures will become increasingly apparent.  We shall continue to make certain that small business has a fair opportunity to compete and has an economic environment in which it may prosper.

In my message last year I referred to the appointment of an advisory committee to appraise and report to me on the deficiencies as well as the effectiveness of existing Federal transportation policies.  I have commended the fundamental purposes and objectives of the committee’s report.  I earnestly recommend that the Congress give prompt attention to the committee’s proposals.

Essential to a prosperous economic environment for all business, small and large—­for agriculture and industry and commerce-is efficiency in Government.  To that end, exhaustive studies of the entire governmental structure were made by the Commission on Intergovernmental Relations and the Commission on the Organization of the Executive Branch of the Government—­the reports of these Commissions are now under intensive review and already in the process of implementation in important areas.

One specific and most vital governmental function merits study and action by the Congress.  As part of our program of promoting efficiency in Government and getting the fiscal situation in hand, the Post Office Department in the past three years has been overhauled.  Nearly one thousand new post offices have been provided.  Financial practices have been modernized, and transportation and operating methods are being constantly improved.  A new wage and incentive plan for the half million postal employees has been established.  Never before has the postal system handled so much mail so quickly and so economically.