Gale W. McGee
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Gale W. McGee | |
---|---|
United States Ambassador to the Organization of American States | |
In office March 30, 1977 – July 1, 1981 | |
President | Jimmy Carter Ronald Reagan |
Preceded by | William S. Mailliard |
Succeeded by | J. William Middendorf |
Personal details | |
Born | Gale William McGee March 17, 1915 Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S. |
Died | April 9, 1992 Washington, D.C., U.S. | (aged 77)
Resting place | Oak Hill Cemetery Washington, D.C., U.S. |
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse |
Loraine Baker McGee (m. 1939) |
Children | 4 |
Education | State Teachers College (BA) University of Colorado (MA) University of Chicago (PhD) |
Gale William McGee (March 17, 1915 – April 9, 1992) was a
Early life
McGee was born in
University of Wyoming
Shortly after he received his Ph.D., McGee accepted a position as a professor of American history at the University of Wyoming. Soon after, he founded and served as chair of the University's Institute of International Affairs, which brought national dignitaries every summer through a Carnegie Foundation grant. Twenty-one teachers from Wyoming high schools were selected each summer to participate. For the next 12 years, the Institute brought international foreign policy thinkers such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Hans Morgenthau, and Henry Kissinger.[1]
In 1952, McGee took a one-year leave of absence from the University of Wyoming to serve as a Carnegie Research Fellow in New York with the Council on Foreign Relations, where he was assigned to research the mysteries of Soviet intentions.[1]
In 1956, because of the connections he made during his Carnegie fellowship, McGee led a group of teachers on a trip to the Soviet Union; it was the first trip of its kind.[1]
Political career (1958-1977)
1958 election
Active in Democratic Party politics, McGee was asked to run for the United States Congress in 1950, but declined, saying he wanted to get more in touch with Wyoming and its people. In 1955–56 he took a leave of absence from the university to work as top aide to Wyoming Democratic Senator Joseph C. O'Mahoney.
In 1958 McGee left the university to make his bid for the U.S. Senate, challenging incumbent
He won the majority of the votes in seven of the 23 counties. These were the southern "Union Pacific" counties (Albany, Carbon, Laramie, Sweetwater, Uinta) Platte, just north of Cheyenne, and Sheridan in the north. McGee won the endorsement of the Wyoming AFL-CIO Committee on Political Education (COPE) and the labor vote played an important part in the election.[2]
He became a member of the
First Senate term (1959-1965)
First Term Committee Assignments[4]
Subcommittees:
- Agriculture - McGee served on the subcommittee during his entire tenure, becoming Chairman in the 92nd Congress
- Commerce, Justice, Science - 86th and 87th Congress
- District of Columbia - 86th and 87th Congress
- Interior - McGee served on this subcommittee during his entire tenure.
- Military Construction - 88th Congress only
- Public Works - Joined during the 88th Congress and would remain a member of this subcommittee for the rest of his tenure
- ex-officiomember for Postal Service items since he was Chairman of the Post Office and Civil Service Committee
Subcommittees:
- Surface Transportation
- Communications
- Freedom of Communications - 87th Congress
- Special Study of Federal Power Commission Procedures (Chairman)[8]
Post Office and Civil Service[9] - Appointed in the 88th Congress, McGee would serve on the Committee for the remainder of his Senate tenure, becoming Chairman in the 91st Congress
Subcommittees:
- Postal Affairs
- Health Benefits
- Retirement (Chairman)[10]
Special/Select Committees
- Special Committee on Unemployment Problems (1959-1960)[11]
- Senate Select Committee on Water Resources (1959-1961)[12]
Key Events
Maiden Speech
On February 19, 1959, McGee delivered his maiden speech in the Senate chamber. McGee, without notes, spoke about the pressing issues facing the nation, particularly in the context of the Cold War with the Soviet Union. He emphasized the need for bold action and a reevaluation of traditional approaches, advocating for what he termed a "war budget" to counter Soviet threats and mobilize resources effectively. McGee also stressed the importance of showcasing the strengths of capitalism through full employment and addressing social problems. His speech was met with admiration from his colleagues, establishing him as a skilled orator and earning praise from notable figures like Senator John F. Kennedy and journalist Edward R. Murrow. McGee's ability to speak without a manuscript became a hallmark of his career.[13] [14] [15]
The nomination of Lewis Strauss to be Commerce Secretary (1959)
In 1958, President
During the Senate Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee hearings on the nomination, McGee raised concerns about the transparency of Admiral Strauss's testimony and his willingness to be candid with the committee. He also questioned Strauss's role in the Dixon–Yates contract, his relationship with banker Adolphe Wenzell and his calls to the United States Atomic Energy Commission about Argonne National Laboratory physicist David R. Inglis. McGee raised similar concerns about Secretary Strauss's involvement in a case involving Philadelphia Electric Co. and General Dynamics, as well as the accuracy of a statement attributed to him in the committee hearing report. After 16 days of hearings the Committee recommended Strauss' confirmation to the full Senate by a vote of 9-8 – McGee was one of the eight opposed to the nomination.
In the 2023 film Oppenheimer McGee was portrayed by Harry Groener during the committee hearing scenes.
When the nomination was brought to the Senate floor for debate, McGee, over several days, urged his colleagues to reject Strauss's nomination. He argued that Strauss was not trustworthy and that his confirmation would set a dangerous precedent. He accused Strauss of attempting to deceive the Committee during the hearings and cited several examples of Strauss's misleading testimony. McGee argued that Strauss's pattern of deception made him unfit to hold such a high-ranking position in the government. McGee also raised concerns about Strauss's views on executive privilege and the separation of powers. He believed that Strauss's views were dangerous and that his confirmation would undermine the Senate's ability to check the executive branch.[16]
On June 19, 1959 just after midnight, the Strauss nomination failed by a vote 46-49. At the time, It marked only the eighth time in U.S. history that a Cabinet appointee had failed to be confirmed.[17]
Senate Meeting with Nikita Khrushchev (1959)
McGee, though not yet a member of the
Wyoming's and McGee's Role in the 1960 Presidential Campaign
Despite his initial preference for
Despite their contrasting personalities and political styles, Johnson and McGee shared a deep mutual respect and understanding rooted in their common experiences representing rural constituents and their shared commitment to public service. Johnson's promise to put McGee on the powerful Appropriations Committee was not just a political maneuver but a genuine expression of his appreciation for McGee's loyalty and ability.[22]
During the summer of 1959, Kennedy's campaign team actively sought support from Wyoming Democrats, including McGee. However, they encountered mixed signals from McGee, with some reports indicating his support for Kennedy and others suggesting his leanings towards Johnson. Governor J.J. Hickey's support was also uncertain due to concerns about the Catholic issue. Despite these challenges, the Kennedy campaign made significant progress in Wyoming, with Teno Roncalio, the state Democratic Party chairman, expressing confidence in securing the state's full 15 votes for Kennedy.[22]
Johnson's campaign team faced resistance in securing Wyoming's endorsement. McGee's insistence on delegate independence thwarted Johnson's efforts to impose the unit rule and secure all of Wyoming's 15 votes. As a result, Johnson's strategy shifted to preventing the unit rule and securing at least four of Wyoming's delegates. However, McGee's neutrality and Governor Hickey's decision to second Johnson's nomination caused friction between the Texan and the Wyoming Senator.
McGee played a pivotal role in securing the Democratic presidential nomination for Kennedy. With Kennedy needing four more votes to clinch the nomination on the first ballot, McGee, the chairman of the Wyoming delegation, persuaded his colleagues to cast all 15 of Wyoming's votes for Kennedy, ensuring his victory. This decision cemented Wyoming's place in history and marked the end of a long day for the delegates.[23][24]
Wyoming politicians like McGee and Hickey understood the importance of unpredictability in the political process. Keeping their support uncertain ensured attention and visits from major presidential candidates like Kennedy, Johnson, and Symington. However, once Kennedy won the nomination, he initially planned to skip campaigning in Wyoming due to its low electoral vote. It took persuasion from Tracy McCraken and McGee to convince Kennedy to make one last stop in the state. This visit allowed Kennedy to learn about Wyoming's economy, needs, and people, establishing relationships with key state leaders that could prove valuable in the future.[22]
On September 23, 1960, Kennedy visited Cheyenne, Wyoming, to thank the state for its support in securing the Democratic presidential nomination. He acknowledged Wyoming's small size but emphasized its crucial role in the convention. Kennedy also demonstrated his knowledge of key Wyoming issues, such as natural resource development, and appealed to the state's voters to help him win the presidency in November.[25][26][27]
It was closer than that on November 8. John F. Kennedy was elected President but without Wyoming’s three electoral votes. They went to Richard Nixon who won the state 55 percent-45 percent.[22]
Relationship with John F. Kennedy
Senator Kennedy endorsed McGee in his 1958 campaign and even flew to Wyoming to give him $500, the largest campaign contribution McGee received from any individual that year.[28]
At the 1960 Democratic National Convention, McGee was the chairman of the Wyoming delegation, and he was able to secure all 15 of Wyoming's votes for John F. Kennedy. This put Kennedy over the top and gave him the Democratic Party nomination for President of the United States.[29][23][30][31] Kennedy initially had no plans to return to Wyoming during the general election campaign, but he was persuaded by Tracy McCraken and Senator McGee to make one last stop in the state on September 23, 1960.[32] He spoke to a large crowd in Cheyenne and acknowledged Wyoming's role in securing his nomination.[25][26]
Kennedy visited Wyoming in the fall of 1963 accompanied by McGee. He also mentioned the need for Americans to make choices about the use of resources, fiscal policy, the space race, and the development of ocean resources.
McGee met with Kennedy in the Oval Office in November 1963 – one week before the tragedy in Dallas - to tape video and take photos for McGee’s upcoming re-election campaign.[37][38]
Rise of the John Birch Society
As Bircher influence grew in Wyoming in the 1960s, McGee emerged as a prominent national figure challenging the John Birch Society. The media, impressed by his speeches, began scrutinizing Founder Robert Welch and his tactics. McGee's appearance on a combative talk show, "Open End," further fueled the debate.[39] He criticized the JBS founder on the Senate floor and warned about their infiltration into communities.
Bircher followers disrupted events, and the society advertised aggressively in Wyoming, dominating local radio.[40] McGee actively engaged in debates with Birchers, intentionally putting himself in their crosshairs. Despite facing threats and violence, he continued his fight against right-wing extremism.
McGee cautioned President Kennedy not to deal with the extremists prematurely, believing it could be a winning issue for 1964. He warned about the appeal of the extreme right-wing ideology to the population in the West.[41]
Food Marketing Study (1963)
McGee voiced concerns about falling cattle prices and record-high food prices driven by national grocers, believing they were monopolizing the market at the expense of western communities.[42] In 1963, he proposed legislation authorizing the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate large chain stores for antitrust violation.[43] the Senate Commerce Committee held hearings where witnesses described intimidating tactics by the chains.[44] President Johnson supported the idea but preferred a bipartisan commission to study the food industry. [45] The final report in June 1966 didn't directly address antitrust violations but highlighted concerns about industry concentration and recommended increased scrutiny of mergers and acquisitions. It also suggested empowering farmers and ranchers through Agricultural Marketing Boards.
1963 railroad strike
In 1963, Congress acted for the first time in peacetime to impose compulsory arbitration in a major labor dispute. President Kennedy sent Congress a bill to submit a dispute over the railroads' attempts to eliminate "featherbedding" to the Interstate Commerce Commission, which was to impose an interim solution binding on the parties for two years.[46]
During Congressional consideration of the President's legislation, McGee offered an amendment to remove these less controversial questions from arbitration and make the Senate bill conform with the House bill, thereby expediting passage to avoid the strike. Congress cleared the bill on August 28, 1963 that created a seven-member board to arbitrate the major issues in the dispute and prohibited the railroads from issuing "anti-featherbedding" rules. The arbitrated settlement was imposed for two years, and no strikes or lockouts were allowed during that time. The President signed the bill into law (PL 88-108) six hours before the strike was to begin on August 29, 1963.[46]
Overseas Trips (1959-1964)
As a member of the
1959 - Traveled to the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia with Senator
1960 - In May, McGee was part of a Congressional Delegation to the annual
1961 - McGee traveled to West Germany twice.
- In September, McGee and Sen.
- In October, as part of a Allen Lightner. Lightner told McGee he had spent summers in Atlantic City, Wyoming[62]. The CODEL also visited Spain[63]
In November, McGee led a delegation to visit eight South American countries to evaluate the conditions for the Alliance for Progress, a US-led initiative to promote economic and social development in Latin America.[64]
1962 - McGee received reports of Soviet military shipments to Cuba and in the run up to the
1963 - In July, McGee traveled to the Dominican Republic to evaluate foreign aid programs.[68]
First Senate Term Legislation Signed into Law
PL 86-444 - (S. 2434) An Act to revise the boundaries and change the name of the
PL 86-448 - (S.J. Res. 150) a Joint resolution permitting the Secretary of the Interior to continue to deliver water to lands in the Third Division, Riverton Federal reclamation project. May 6, 1960 [72][73]
PL 86-450 - (S. 1751) An Act to place certain lands on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming in trust status. May 6, 1960[74]
PL 87-151 - (S. 1085) An Act to provide for the disposal of certain Federal property on the Minidoka project, Idaho; Shoshone project, Wyoming; and Yakima project, Washington. August 17, 1961 [75][76]
PL 87-175 - (S. 702) An Act to exchange certain lands in Wyoming with the town of Afton. August 30, 1961[77][78]
PL 87-422 - (S. 875) An Act to authorize and direct the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to the State of Wyoming for agricultural purposes certain real property in Sweetwater County, WY. March 20, 1962[79] [80]
PL 87-479 - (S.J. Res 151) An Act Authorizing continued delivery of water for the years 1962 and 1963 to land of the third division, Riverton Federal reclamation project, Wyoming June 8, 1962 [81][82]
PL 87-516 - (S. 536) An Act to adjust certain irrigation charges against non-Indian-owned lands within the Wind River irrigation project, Wyoming[83][84]
PL 88-10 - (S. 982) An Act permitting the Secretary of the Interior to continue to deliver water to lands in the third division, Riverton Reclamation Project, Wyoming. April 18, 1963 [85][86][87]
PL 88-291 - (S. 1299) An Act to defer certain operation and maintenance charges of the Eden Valley Irrigation and Drainage District March 26, 1964 [88][89]
PL 88-354 - (S.J. Res 71) a Joint resolution to authorize and direct the conduct by the Federal Trade Commission of a comprehensive investigation of chainstore practices which may be in violation of the antitrust laws. July 2, 1964[90][91][92]
PL 88-494 - (S. 51) An Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to relinquish to the State of Wyoming jurisdiction over those lands within the
PL 88-568 - (S. 770) An Act to provide for the construction, operation and maintenance of the Savery-Pot Hook, Bostwick Park, and Fruitland Mesa participating reclamation projects under the Colorado River Storage Project Act. September 2, 1964 [95][96][97]
1964 election
In the historically Republican state of Wyoming, the 1964 election proved exceptional as Democrats nearly matched Republicans in financing and ran a highly effective campaign. Despite being the only incumbent above the county level, McGee was re-elected, and Democrats also gained control of the state House of Representatives and secured the single seat in the United States House of Representatives.[98]
The shift in Wyoming's political behavior was not solely due to President Johnson's landslide victory. Two years prior, Wyoming Republicans focused on defeating Senator McGee and overlooked other races. Their preoccupation with McGee's defeat weakened their overall campaign. In contrast, McGee's strategy concentrated on discrediting the Wyoming Republican party and its actions, such as the passage of a right-to-work law, supporting a Court of the Union, repealing the income tax law, and aligning with Barry Goldwater, which led to the party's defeat.[98]
Organized labor played a significant role in the election, working closely with effective Democratic county organizations to help Senator McGee secure a significant plurality. Media, especially television, also played a major role in the campaign, with McGee using a documentary and effective advertising to his advantage.[98]
The election also saw increasing political self-consciousness among minority ethnic groups, such as the Native American vote in Fremont County. City voting patterns showed increasing Democratic margins, hinting at a potential shift in traditional Republican control.[98]
Second Senate term (1965-1970)
Second Term Committee Assignments
Appropriations Committee[99]
Subcommittees:
- Agriculture
- Commerce, Justice, Science - 89th Congress
- Interior
- Labor, Health, Education and Welfare
- Public Works
Subcommittees:
- Surface Transportation
- Communications
- Special Subcommittee on the Textile Industry
- Special Subcommittee on Freight Car Shortage
- Special Subcommittee on Federal Power Commission Procedures (Chairman)
Subcommittees:
- Postal Affairs
- Health Benefits
- Retirement
- Special Subcommittee To Study Post Office Department Sectional Center Program
Subcommittees:
- Production and Stabilization
- Securities
- Small Business
Key Events
He strongly supported President
Also that year, after over 10 years as a member of the Appropriations Committee, McGee was named chairman of the Foreign Operations Appropriations subcommittee.[109]
In March 1966, McGee was appointed to the
In 1968, McGee wrote The Responsibilities of World Power, which warned against isolationism and urged the United States to accept its power and position imposed upon it in the aftermath of World War II. The book further argued that the U.S. had a responsibility to be a Pacific power, to act as a counterweight to China, and to support free nations in their efforts to remain nonaligned or western allies but not to fall into the Communist fold. The work was nominated for a Woodrow Wilson Foundation award.
Named Chairman of Post Office and Civil Service Committee
He was also directly involved in the passage of the
Second Senate Term Legislation Signed into Law (1965-1970)
PL 89-760 - (S. 84) An Act to provide for reimbursement to the State of Wyoming for improvements made on certain lands in Sweetwater County, Wyo., if and when such lands revert to the United States. November 5, 1966
PL 89-364 - (S.J. Res. 9) A Joint resolution to cancel any unpaid reimbursable construction costs of the Wind River Indian irrigation project, Wyoming, chargeable against certain non Indian lands. March 8, 1966
PL 89-763 - (S. 476) An Act to amend the act approved March 18, 1950, providing for the construction of airports in or in close proximity to national parks, national monuments, and national recreation areas, and for other purposes. November 5, 1966
PL 89-664 - (S. 491) An Act to provide for the establishment of the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, and for other purposes. October 15, 1966
PL XX-XXX - (S. 554/H.R. 441) An Act authorizing the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to convey certain property to the city of Cheyenne, Wyo. November 8, 1965
PL 89-387 - (S. 1404)
PL 89-70 - (S. 3046/H.R. 13161) Elementary and Secondary Education Act Amendments, To strengthen and improve programs of assistance for our elementary and secondary schools. November 3, 1966
1970 election
McGee's bid for reelection in 1970 was targeted by Republicans as one of the top seven races in the country. Republican leaders recruited Congressman John Wold to again take on McGee, despite Wold being defeated by McGee in the 1964 election.[119]
McGee faced a primary challenger for the Democratic nomination because of McGee's support for continued military action in Vietnam. McGee won nomination overwhelmingly by 24,508 votes.[119]
McGee again promoted his seniority in the Senate and his committee assignments (Appropriations, Foreign Relations, and Post Office and Civil Service) that benefited the State. To charges that he was a big spender of federal monies, he pointed out that he helped bring over $349 million in federal aid to Wyoming in the previous year and that if that was big spending he was "for it." [119]
President Nixon, during a September 1970 meeting with aides in the Oval Office, suggested that Vice President
McGee won re-election receiving 67,207 votes to Wold's 53,279. McGee won eleven of the 23 counties he picked up in 1964 but added for others and increased his margin of victory in Natrona County, Wyoming – a moderately strong Republican county and Wold's home base. McGee continued to have strong support of organized labor, carrying big margins in the southern "Union Pacific" counties.[119]
Third Senate term
In his third term he continued to be a leading member of the committees on which he served. He was Chairman of Western Hemisphere Affairs subcommittee of the Foreign Relations Committee.
McGee was a voice of moderation in the affairs of the Watergate scandal and the impeachment proceedings of President Richard Nixon. Against the wishes of many of his constituents, McGee stood on principle and fought hard for positions unpopular in Wyoming in support of gas rationing and the 55-mile per hour speed limit in the era of the first Arab oil embargoes.
"Champion" of Congressional recess
In 1965, Senator McGee began calling for a mandated August recess for Congress. It was not until 1969 that his idea gained enough support amongst his colleagues that they gave it a test run - the Senate recessed from August 13 to September 3. Finally, on August 6, 1971, as mandated by the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970, the Senate began its first official August recess.[122]
Clear Cutting of Timber
During the 92nd Congress, McGee pushed vigorously for the implementation of his bill which would impose a two-year moratorium on clearcutting of timber on public lands until a study of the practice could be conducted by an independent commission. Clearcutting is a timber harvest method whereby all trees and the undergrowth in a given area are completely destroyed. Al- though McGee did not obtain passage of his bill, it was on the basis of his legislation that the Senate Interior Subcommittee on Public Lands demanded that the U.S. Forest Service stop permitting the timber industry to clear-cut at will in the National Forests. McGee has termed the recent action by the Senate Interior Subcommittee on Public Lands as “but one more step toward the establishment of a national policy setting down guidelines restricting the use of clearcutting as an accept- able timber harvest practice when such use would be detrimental to the environment, recreation, wildlife, and other concerns.[123]
Protection of bald and golden eagles
In his third Senate term, McGee gave up the gavel of the Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee to become Chairman of
Voter registration by mail
In 1972, McGee introduced S. 352, which would allow eligible voters to register by mail in federal elections. The bill would establish a new Voter Registration Administration as part of the U.S. Census Bureau to administer the registration program. Under the procedure, postcard forms would be mailed to all postal addresses and residences, and the cards would have to be returned to local registration agents no later than 30 days before a federal election. Processing of the forms would be paid for by the Voter Registration Administration. McGee believed and argued that existing methods discouraged registration citing the fact that 62 million people did not vote in 1972 election, nearly half of all Americans eligible to vote.
Opponents believed that the proposal would destroy the two-party system, lead to increased fraud, and cost too much to implement. The Nixon administration formally opposed the bill citing the potential for fraud and cost but McGee's committee reported the bill with only Hiram Fong, the Committee's ranking Republican member, opposing. During floor debate In spring 1973, the bill was filibustered for almost a month. The 13th successful cloture vote since in the Senate came after two earlier attempts to terminate a four-week filibuster on the voter registration bill (S 352) failed. Had the May 9 vote also fallen short, McGee had warned opponents of S. 352 during floor debate that there would have been another cloture vote, and "if necessary there'll be another and another and another."
The nearly 100 per cent attendance for the May 9 vote, plus three switches in favor of cloture on the third try, gave the cloture motion the necessary two-thirds vote. John C. Stennis (D Miss.) was the only senator to miss the vote. Earlier efforts to shut off the talkathon on the bill failed by two and three votes, respectively. The April 30 vote was 56-31; the May 3 vote was 60-34. On May 9, cloture succeeded by a one-vote margin, 67-32. Two Republicans and one Democrat switched from opposition to support for cloture on the May 9 67-32 vote. The Republicans were Robert T. Stafford (Vt.) and Milton R. Young (N.D.); both had voted against cloture on the two previous cloture motions. The Democrat was Russell B. Long (La.), who opposed cloture on the May 3 vote. In addition, supporters of cloture gained four of five new votes of members who did not vote May 3: Alan Bible (D Nev.), Mark O. Hatfield (R Ore.), Joseph M. Montoya (D N.M.) and William B. Saxbe (R Ohio). John Sparkman (D Ala.), one of the other two members (along with Stennis) who did not vote May 3, cast the only additional vote against cloture. Final passage of S. 352 was successful on May 9, 1973 by a vote of 57-32.
The legislation died after the House failed to take action on the bill.[125][126]
27th U.N. General Assembly (1972)
A long-time supporter of the
Candidate for Director of Central Intelligence (CIA)
A July 10, 1975 memo from then White House Chief of Staff
1976 election
In his 1976 bid for a fourth term, McGee was defeated by Republican challenger
United States Ambassador to the Organization of American States
After his defeat by
During his tenure, McGee headed the U.S. delegation to four OAS assemblies and lobbied for the successful approval of the 1978
Life after public service
- In 1981, McGee formed Gale W. McGee Associates, a consulting firm specializing in international and public affairs activities. The firm offered a broad range of political and economic services to both domestic and international companies with a special emphasis on developing new business opportunities with the nations of Latin America and the Caribbean. He was also president of the consulting firm of Moss, McGee, Bradley, Kelly & Foley, which was created with former U.S. Senator
- In 1985, Secretary of State George Shultz asked McGee to serve on a panel headed by Robert D. Ray to review U.S. policy towards Indochinese refugees. In the wake of the 1975 collapse of the South Vietnamese government, more than 1.6 million Indochinese people had become refugees. The panel issued recommendations in 1986.[131]
The Papers of Gale McGee are housed at the University of Wyoming's American Heritage Center. Collection includes digital materials relating to McGee’s career as a U.S. Senator, his work at the University of Wyoming and the Organization of American States, and his post public service and personal life.[130]
Personal life
McGee married Loraine Baker in 1939 and together they had four children: David, Robert, Mary Gale and Lori Ann. Senator McGee died on April 9, 1992, in Washington, D.C.[132] He is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery in Washington, D.C.[133]
Posthumous recognition
Congressional
In January 2007, the Wyoming congressional delegation introduced federal legislation (H.R. 335, S. 219) to rename the U.S. Post Office in Laramie, Wyoming as the "Gale W. McGee Post Office." The United States House of Representatives passed the legislation by voice vote on January 29, 2007. The United States Senate passed the legislation by Unanimous consent on February 7, 2007. The President signed the bill into law on March 7, 2007.[134]
Biography
In 2018, Potomac Books/Nebraska press published McGee's biography, The Man in the Arena: The Life and Times of U.S. Senator Gale McGee written by Rodger McDaniel. The book won Best Nonfiction Book of the Year from the Wyoming State Historical Society
Movie Portrayal
McGee was portrayed by Harry Groener in the 2023 film Oppenheimer.
References
- ^ a b c d e Oral History Interview with Ambassador Gale McGee, The Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training, December 9, 1988 [1]
- ^ a b c The 1958 Election in Wyoming, Herman H. Trachsel, The Western Political Quarterly, Vol. 12, No. 1, Part 2 (Mar., 1959), pp. 363-366
- ^ http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,91771,810557,00.html [dead link]
- ^ McGee gets assignment (1959, January 28) Casper Star Tribune, p. 1
- ^ Committee on Appropriations, 110th Congress, 2d Session, Document No. 14, United States Senate, 1867–2008 (U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, 2008).
- ^ "Committee on Appropriations" (PDF). gpo.gov. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
- ^ "Senate Committees, 87th Congress." In CQ Almanac 1961, 17th ed., 40-47. Washington, DC: Congressional Quarterly, 1961. http://library.cqpress.com/cqalmanac/cqal61-1372206
- ^ 109 Cong. Rec. D61-62 (1963)
- ^ 109 Cong. Rec. D64 (1963)
- ^ McGee is Chairman of PO Retirement (1963, March 7) Casper Star Tribu ne, p. 3
- ^ "Committee Issues Unemployment Recommendations." In CQ Almanac 1960, 16th ed., 07-297-7-297. Washington, DC: Congressional Quarterly, 1960. http://library.cqpress.com/cqalmanac/cqal60-1330436.
- ^ "Water Resources." In CQ Almanac 1961, 17th ed., 452-53. Washington, DC: Congressional Quarterly, 1961. http://library.cqpress.com/cqalmanac/cqal61-1371973.
- ^ 105 Cong. Rec. 2741-2746 (1959)
- ^ Wyoming Senator terms Administration “Budget Wise and Survival Foolish” (1959, February 20) Associated Press
- ^ McDaniel, R. E., & Simpson, A. K. (2018). The man in the arena: The life and times of U.S. Senator Gale McGee. Potomac Books, an imprint of the University of Nebraska Press. p. 88-91
- ^ a b "Welcome to nginx!". Archived from the original on January 5, 2013. Retrieved October 1, 2008.
- ^ "Welcome to nginx!". Archived from the original on January 5, 2013. Retrieved December 1, 2011.
- ^ Bush and M’Gee discuss Nikita (1959, October 3) Bridgeport Post, p. 23
- ^ Reston, J. (1959, September 20) Senators found Khrushchev a skillful adversary, New York Times
- ^ Solon charges blunder made (1959, September 28) Billings Gazette, p. 20
- ^ Transcript of September 17, 1959 meeting between Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Nikita Khrushchev, Box 5, Folder 3, McGee Papers, American Heritage Center
- ^ a b c d e McDaniel, R. E., & Simpson, A. K. (2018). The Man in the Arena: The Life and Times of U.S. Senator Gale McGee. Potomac Books, an imprint of the University of Nebraska Press.,
- ^ a b King, Larry L. “My Hero LBJ.” Harper's Magazine, Oct. 1966, p. 60
- ^ Wyoming Clinches it (1960, July 14) Los Angeles Times, p. 7
- ^ a b John F. Kennedy: "Remarks of Senator John F. Kennedy, Cheyenne, WY, Frontier Park," September 23, 1960
- ^ a b Wyo,. Senator to accompany Kennedy Party (1960, September 21) Casper Morning Star, p. 2
- ^ Baker, R (1960, September 24) Kennedy Charges Nixon Is Selling America Short, New York Times
- ^ McDaniel, R. E., & Simpson, A. K. (2018). The man in the arena: The life and times of U.S. Senator Gale McGee. Potomac Books, an imprint of the University of Nebraska Press.
- ^ Henderson, W. (1960, June 11). For and about People. Los Angeles Mirror News
- ^ Baker, R. (1960, July 14) Highlights and Chronology of nomination session of the Democratic convention, NY Times
- ^ Wyoming Clinches it (1960, July 14) Los Angeles Times, p. 77
- ^ McCraken to Senator Jackson, August 24, 1960, Box 563, Gale W. McGee Papers, Collection Number 09800, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
- ^ "Remarks Upon Arrival at the Airport in Cheyenne, Wyoming, 25 September 1963". JFK Library. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved May 6, 2014.
- ^ "Trip of the President, September 24-28, 1963". JFK Library. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved May 6, 2014.
- JFK Library. Retrieved May 6, 2014.
- ^ “JFK Visits Wyoming” by Philip White, Casper Star-Tribune, September 25, 2013
- ^ The President’s Daily Diary, 11/14/1963; Evelyn Lincoln Personal Papers. Schedules and Diaries, 1953-1963. President's appointments, November 1963. ELPP-006-014. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/ELPP/006/ELPP-006-014
- ^ University of Wyoming, American Heritage Center, Gale W. McGee papers, Accession Number 09800, Box 12A, Folder 3.
- ^ Video discussion slated on John Birch Society (1961, June 8) Valley News, p. 60
- ^ Senator McGee repeats John Birch Charge (1963, April 25) Jackson Hole Guide, p. 7
- ^ “Memorandum for the President” Senator Gale W. McGee to President Kennedy, August 16, 1963, Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers, President's Office Files, Subjects. Rightwing Movement, Digital Identifier: JFKPOF-106-013, http://www.jfklibrary.org/Asset-Viewer/Archives/JFKPOF-106-013.aspx
- ^ The Congressional Record, May 18, 1965 p. A2472
- ^ The Congressional Record April 26, 1963 p. 7172
- ^ United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Commerce. (1964). Study of food marketing: Hearings, Eighty-eighth Congress, second session, on S. J. Res. 71, a joint resolution to authorize and direct the conduct by the Federal Trade Commission of a comprehensive investigation of chainstore practices which may be in violation of the antitrust laws. and for other purposes ... Washington: U. S. Govt. Print. Off..
- ^ Johnson asks Congress for body to study retail price increases (1964, April 2) Great Falls Tribune, p. 23
- ^ a b "Congress Imposes Settlement in Railroad-Labor Dispute." In CQ Almanac 1970, 26th ed., 01-165-01-166. Washington, D.C.: Congressional Quarterly, 1971. [2]
- ^ New approach to Palestine question called feasible (1959, November 18) Casper Star Tribune, p. 6
- ^ Senators say rations denied babies in Jordan (1959, November 22) Courier-Journal, p. 21
- ^ Department of State, Central Files, 884.411/11–1759
- ^ Message From Senators Albert Gore and Gale W. McGee to the President; Department of State, Central Files, 320.511/11–1959
- ^ Department of State, NEA/IAI Files: Lot 70 D 229, Refugees REF 1 General Policy and Plans Jan-Aug 1961. Secret. The source text is the copy sent to Thacher. Talbot was in Nicosia, Cyprus, attending a Regional Operations Conference July 31–August 5. The Conference was one of several regional meetings of U.S. Chiefs of Mission held by Under Secretary of State Bowles. A briefing book prepared for Talbot’s use at the conference is ibid., NEA/NE Files: Lot 66 D 5, Briefing Materials for Meetings with Near East Ambassadors, Nicosia Ambassadorial Conference. For an “Outline of NE Regional Problems for Presentation at Under Secretary’s Conference,” see Supplement, the regional compilation.
- ^ India is eagerly receptive to ‘Ike’s visit, Gore learns (1959, December 4) Memphis Commercial Appeal, p. 1
- ^ Box 25A, Gale W. McGee Papers, Collection Number 09800, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.
- ^ Local Happenings: Sent to Switzerland (1960, May 20) Norfolk Daily News, p. 9
- ^ Congressional Record, June 29, 1960, pp 15040-41
- ^ Church, F., United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Foreign Relations. (1961). Study mission to Africa, November–December 1960: Report. Washington: U. S. Govt. Print. Off..
- ^ Transcript, Ambassador Frank Charles Carlucci III, Interviewed By: Charles Stuart Kennedy, The Association For Diplomatic Studies And Training Foreign Affairs Oral History Project, 1997
- ^ Radio station to feature ‘Berlin Crisis’ (1961, September 19) Tooele Bulletin, p. 8
- ^ Muskie leaves for Germany (1961, September 20) Bangor News, p. 18
- ^ Hodges, Congressmen go to West Berlin next month (1961, September 30) Asheville Citizen Times, p. 1
- ^ McGee meets Brandt (1961, October 27) Casper Star-Tribune, p. 2
- ^ Stormy Petrel likes Wyoming (1961, October 24) Casper Star Tribune, p. 12
- ^ Hodges in Spain for talks (1961, October 16) St. Louis Post Dispatch, p. 38
- ^ “Study Mission to South America November–December 1961” Report of Senators Gale W. McGee, Frank Moss, Claire Engle, and Stephen Young (U.S. Government Printing Office February 13, 1962)
- ^ McGee from Arturo Gonzalez, September 15, 1962, Box 56, Folder 6, Gale W. McGee Papers, Collection Number 09800, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.
- ^ McGee happy with Cuba policy (1962, October 3) Casper Morning Star, p. 14
- ^ Box 7A, Gale W. McGee Papers, Collection Number 09800, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.
- ^ Sen. McGee says foreign aid program in desperate trouble (1963, October 21) Albuquerque Journal, p. 10
- ^ Mattes, M. J. (1980). Part Iii: The Restoration Of Fort Laramie. In Fort Laramie Park History 1834-1977. U.S. Department of the Interior.
- ^ 105 Cong. Rec. 14053 (1959)
- ^ https://www.congress.gov/86/statute/STATUTE-74/STATUTE-74-Pg83.pdf
- ^ 105 Cong. Rec. 6376 (1959)
- ^ https://www.congress.gov/86/statute/STATUTE-74/STATUTE-74-Pg85-2.pdf
- ^ https://www.congress.gov/86/statute/STATUTE-74/STATUTE-74-Pg92.pdf
- ^ https://www.congress.gov/87/statute/STATUTE-75/STATUTE-75-Pg388.pdf
- ^ 107 Cong. Rec. 2764 (1961)
- ^ 107 Cong. Rec. 1373 (1961)
- ^ https://www.congress.gov/87/statute/STATUTE-75/STATUTE-75-Pg410.pdf
- ^ 107 Cong. Rec. 1848 (1961)
- ^ https://www.congress.gov/87/statute/STATUTE-76/STATUTE-76-Pg44.pdf
- ^ 108 Cong. Rec. 1430 (1962)
- ^ https://www.congress.gov/87/statute/STATUTE-76/STATUTE-76-Pg94.pdf
- ^ 108 Cong. Rec. 3604 (1962)
- ^ https://www.congress.gov/87/statute/STATUTE-76/STATUTE-76-Pg128.pdf
- ^ 88 Cong. Rec. 3438 (1963)
- ^ Water asked for disputed project area (1963, March 5) Casper Star Tribune, p 1
- ^ https://www.congress.gov/88/statute/STATUTE-77/STATUTE-77-Pg8-2.pdf
- ^ https://www.congress.gov/88/statute/STATUTE-78/STATUTE-78-Pg170.pdf
- ^ 88 Cong. Rec. 5951 (1963)
- ^ 88 Cong. Rec. 7170 (1963)
- ^ McGee asks chain store probe (1963, April 27) Casper Morning Star, p. 5
- ^ https://www.congress.gov/88/statute/STATUTE-78/STATUTE-78-Pg269.pdf
- ^ 109 Cong, Rec. 191, 194 (1963)
- ^ https://www.congress.gov/88/statute/STATUTE-78/STATUTE-78-Pg611.pdf
- ^ 88 Cong. Rec. 2073 (1963)
- ^ Savory-Pot Hook bill introduced (1963, February 12) Casper Star Tribune, p. 3
- ^ https://www.congress.gov/88/statute/STATUTE-78/STATUTE-78-Pg852.pdf
- ^ a b c d The 1964 Election in Wyoming, John T. Hinckley, The Western Political Quarterly Vol. 18, No. 2, The 1964 Elections in the West (Jun., 1965), pp. 523-526
- ^ Committee on Appropriations, 110th Congress, 2d Session, Document No. 14, United States Senate, 1867–2008 (U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, 2008).
- ^ 111 Cong. Rec. D33 (1965)
- ^ 111 Cong. Rec. 6721 (1966)
- ^ Long Swaps (1966, March 26) Tampa Tribune, p. 5
- ^ “Legacy to power : Senator Russell Long of Louisiana” By Robert Mann (1992), p. 245
- ^ A key Johnson backer loses seat on Senate Foreign Relations unit (1967, January 12) New York Times, p. 24
- ^ McCarthy vacates Foreign Relations post to McGee (1969, January 10) Casper Star Tribune, p. 1
- ^ 111 Cong. Rec. D242 (1965)
- ^ 113 Cong. Rec. 289 (1967)
- ^ The Search for Peace in Vietnam, 1964-1968, Lloyd C. Gardner, Ted Gittinger, 2004, p. 104
- ^ Committee on Appropriations, UNITED STATES SENATE, 1867–2008, 110th Congress, 2d Session Document No. 14 [3]
- ^ "LBJ Library 12504 GALE MCGEE 12/9/1967 11:00A WH6712.01 PNO 4". Archived from the original on October 11, 2008. Retrieved October 1, 2008.
- ^ Asks government pay for recruiting cost (1969, April 8) Casper Star Tribune, p. 2
- ^ 91 Cong. Rec. 14805-06 (1969)
- ^ Uneasy Senate delays bill to raise Vice President pay (1969, April 30) Long Beach Independent, p. 13
- ^ McGee warns ‘shenanigans’ could doom Agnew’s raise (1969, June 7) Casper Star Tribune, p, 5
- ^ 91 Cong. Rec. 10480 (1970)
- ^ 91 Cong. Rec. 10537-38 (1970)
- ^ "Federal Pay Veto." In CQ Almanac 1970, 26th ed., 05-859-05-860. Washington, DC: Congressional Quarterly, 1971. http://library.cqpress.com/cqalmanac/cqal70-1291766
- ^ 91 Cong. Rec. 44096-44106 (1970)
- ^ a b c d e The 1970 Election in Wyoming, John B. Richard, The Western Political Quarterly, Vol. 24, No. 2 (Jun., 1971), pp. 362-368
- ^ President’s Daily Diary, 9/9/1970 https://www.nixonlibrary.gov/sites/default/files/virtuallibrary/documents/PDD/1970/035%20September%201-15%201970.pdf
- ^ Before The Fall: An Inside View Of The Pre-Watergate White House, Safire, W. (2005), pp. 318-319
- ^ "U.S. Senate: Give Us a (Summer) Break!".
- ^ Douth, George. Leaders In Profile: the United States Senate. New York: Speer & Douth, Inc., 1972
- ^ "Bald Eagle Protection." In CQ Almanac 1972, 28th ed., 06-743-06-744. Washington, D.C.: Congressional Quarterly, 1973. [4].
- ^ "Senate Passes Bill Allowing Voters to Register by Mail." In CQ Almanac 1973, 29th ed., 726-30. Washington, D.C.: Congressional Quarterly, 1974. [5]
- ^ "Postcard Voter Registration." In CQ Almanac 1976, 32nd ed., 517-19. Washington, D.C.: Congressional Quarterly, 1977. [6].
- ^ U.S. Drive on to Lower its Share of U.S. Budget, Associated Press, October 4, 1972
- ^ The U.N. Onward & Upward, column by Senator Gale McGee, June 3, 1973
- ^ July 10, 1975 Memorandum to the President from Donald Rumsfeld, Ford Presidential Library [7]
- ^ a b University of Wyoming (1997)
- ^ IRWIN, D. (1986, April 19). Panel urges revision of immigration policy for southeast asians. Los Angeles Times.
- ^ "Gale McGee, 77, Wyoming Democrat in Senate 18 Years". The New York Times. April 10, 1992.
- ^ "Oak Hill Cemetery, Georgetown, D.C. (Terraced Niches, Etc.) - Rock Creek Terraced Niches (3021-3088)" (PDF). oakhillcemeterydc.org. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 2, 2022. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
- ^ [Thomas.gov Thomas.gov]
External links
- United States Congress. "Gale W. McGee (id: M000445)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
- Gale W. McGee papers at the American Heritage Center