Presidential Highlights:
· Granted former President Nixon a full pardon of any crimes committed as president.
· Offered clemency to Vietnam deserters and draft evaders (deserters were required to give two years of military service, evaders were required to give two years of public service).
· In 1973, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries embargoed oil exports to the west. This caused widespread inflation in the United States. President Ford launched the Whip Inflation Now program (asked Americans to help control inflation by eliminating waste). By 1975, the United States was in a deep recession. President Ford increased federal spending to stimulate the economy.
· Approved a campaign finance reform bill (limited the amount of money candidates for federal office can raise and spend in election campaigns, and provides federal funds to most candidates running for president).
Gerald Ford