Reagan Urges Congress To Pass Economic Plan

Declaring that "the time for action is now," President Reagan last night urged Congress to pass his entire economic program or face the "wrath" of the American people.

Firm-voiced and cheerful in his first address since last month's assassination attempt. Reagan said he was much healthier than the nation's economy.

Citing high inflation, mortgage rates, and unemployment levels. Reagan told a receptive joint session of congress that the half-year since his election had seen little economic improvement.

"Six months is long enough. The American people want us to act, and not in half-measures." Reagan, who was interrupted by standing ovations three times, said.

If the Congress fails to adopt his tax and spending cuts, it will only "prolong even longer and more painfully the cure that must come," Reagan said.

"The message of November is very simple: our government is too big and it spends too much," he added.

Reagan called on the Senate to support the economic plan reported out of his budget committee yesterday, but warned the House to reject the proposal of its budget committee and instead support a bipartisan package closer to his own proposal.

Tax reduction are an "integral part" of his economic plan, Reagan said, adding that support for his entire plan came not from special interests but from the American people, who want a small tax increase, not a "gigantic" one.

The "people do not have infinite patience." Reagan said. 'The old way is to shave a little here and there," he added, saying he was convinced the current Congress would take a tougher stand.

Reagan spent the first few minutes of his address thanking the American people for "their messages, their flowers, and most of all their prayers" in the wake of the recent attempt on his life.

The "compassionate" response of the public answers who said the shooting proved America was a sick society, Reagan said, "Sick societies don't produce men like" Secret Service agent Tim McCarthy, Washington D.C. police man Tom Delahanty, and presidential press secretary James Brady, all three wounded in the assassination attempt, Reagan added