Bridgeport Telegram in Bridgeport, Connecticut

House panel backs compromise defense bill

The House Armed Services Committee approved a defense reorganization bill giving President Eisenhower most requested military streamlining but stopping short of full administrative control. The panel rewrote sections to curb future Congress vetoes while expanding a joint staff and creating a strong director of research and engineering. It also allowed service heads to appeal changes to Congress and retained some congressional oversight of major function shifts. A separate note reports a record high in the Mexico City cost of living index.