Gerald R. Ford Journalism Awards

Former President Gerald Ford spoke before the National Press Club as a representative of the Ford Foundation to award two members of the Washington news media for excellence in reporting. After the awards ceremony, during which the two winners gave brief acceptance statements, President Ford spoke on the activities of Congress in 1991. President Ford characterized the House of Representatives as being an "incumbent's House" rather than the "people's House," due to gerrymandering, PACs and congressional perks. However, he said Congress was improving since 1989 in concentrating on its own duties rather than "micro managing" the presidency. He went on to discuss current legislation and issues facing Congress, including campaign finance reform and civil rights legislation. President Ford responded to questions from the audience following his opening remarks.