In 1958, McGee took a leave of absence from the university to run for the U.S. Senate, challenging the incumbent
Frank A. Barrett. He campaigned on a platform of youth and new ideas. The race between McGee and Barrett drew national attention, with prominent leaders from both political parties involved. Senate Majority Leader
Lyndon Johnson of Texas, Senator
John F. Kennedy of Massachusetts, Senator
Wayne Morse of Oregon, Senator-elect
Edmund Muskie of Maine, Congressman
Joseph M. Montoya of New Mexico, and former President
Harry S. Truman came to the state to support McGee, whose campaign slogan was "McGee for Me!". Lyndon Johnson pledged that, if Wyoming elected McGee, he would secure him a seat on the prestigious Appropriations Committee. Barrett also received support from prominent leaders, including then-Vice President
Richard Nixon. McGee defeated Barrett by 1,913 votes out of 116,230 cast.
Appropriations Committee McGee was appointed to the
United States Senate Committee on Appropriations following a promise from
Lyndon B. Johnson after his first term. From 1971 to 1976, he chaired the Agriculture-Environmental and Consumer Protection Subcommittee, directing federal funds to Wyoming-based projects. Significant appropriations included $499 million (2024 dollars) for
Yellowtail Dam, $350 million for
Flaming Gorge Dam and its National Recreation Area, $225 million for the Seedskadee Project, $50 million for the U.S. Post Office and Federal Building in Casper, and $48 million for Cheyenne’s federal building. McGee’s influence helped shape infrastructure development and environmental management in the state.
Energy and Mineral Policy A strong advocate for Wyoming’s oil, gas, and mineral industries, McGee worked closely with colleagues
Teno Roncalio and
Cliff Hansen to ensure that federal mineral royalties returned 50% to resource-rich states under the
Federal Land Policy and Management Act. McGee staunchly defended the
oil depletion allowance, arguing it incentivized exploration in high-risk regions like Wyoming and safeguarded the industry's competitiveness. & U.S. Senators discuss wool imports in the
Oval Office. Pictured (L-R): Senators
Ted Kennedy,
Frank Church,
John Pastore,
Ed Muskie, Kennedy,
Herman Talmadge, and
Gale McGee.
Ranchers and Livestock McGee actively supported Wyoming ranchers, voicing concerns over monopolistic practices by national grocery chains that suppressed cattle prices in the early 1960s. He advocated for FTC investigations into antitrust violations and promoted legislation to empower agricultural producers. McGee also championed the American wool and lamb industries, backing import quotas, tariffs, and the
National Wool Act. He even secured a commemorative U.S. stamp in 1970 marking 450 years of sheep in North America. outside the Senate Chamber after leading the effort to defeat Lewis Strauss's nomination for U.S. Secretary of Commerce.
Cabinet and Judicial Nominations McGee evaluated presidential Cabinet and judicial nominees primarily on merit and national interest. He supported most appointments but opposed nominees with concerning civil rights records, including
Clement Haynsworth and
G. Harrold Carswell. Notably, he led Senate opposition to
Lewis Strauss’s nomination as Secretary of Commerce in 1959, raising concerns over transparency and executive privilege; the nomination ultimately failed, one of only eight rejected Cabinet appointments in U.S. history. In the 2023 film
Oppenheimer, McGee was portrayed by
Harry Groener.
"Champion" of Congressional recess In 1961, Senator McGee began calling for a mandated August recess for Congress. It was not until 1969 that his idea gained enough support among 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.
Civil Rights and Labor (L-R): Senators
Ted Stevens (R-AK), Ranking Member
Hiram Fong (R-HI), Chairman Gale McGee (D-WY),
Ralph Yarborough (D-TX),
Jennings Randolph (D-WV), and
Frank Moss (D-UT).McGee played a key role in civil rights legislation, supporting the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and commemorating Wyoming-born Reverend
James Reeb’s murder during the
Selma marches. A staunch labor advocate, he opposed right-to-work laws, brokered compromises during the 1963 railroad strike, and helped resolve the 1970 postal strike, securing reforms and pay raises for federal employees.McGee also helped resolve the
emoluments clause issue during
William B. Saxbe's appointment as
Attorney General by facilitating the precedent-setting "Saxbe fix" to adjust salary conflicts for Cabinet appointments. Notably, the strike prompted Nixon to install the
Oval Office taping system for accurate record-keeping—ultimately a key factor in his downfall during Watergate.
Environment/natural resources McGee championed conservation, balancing resource development with environmental protection. He supported the
Fort Laramie National Historic Site, The
Wilderness Act, establishment of the
Fossil Butte National Monument, establishment of the
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, the
Highway Beautification Act, the
National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, the incorporation of South Absaroka Wilderness into the
Washakie Wilderness,
Shoshone National Forest, the
Environmental Quality Improvement Act, and the
Endangered Species Act He addressed conflicts over Yellowstone Lake boating, advocated for humane and cooperative methods to manage Yellowstone's overpopulated elk herd, and challenged clearcutting practices in the West's forests As Chairman of
Agriculture, Environmental and Consumer Protection Appropriations Subcommittee he strengthened protections for bald and golden eagles, responding to reports of predation on livestock.
Energy and Mining Oversight During Wyoming’s 1970s coal boom, McGee navigated population growth and infrastructure pressures, advocating for balanced policies in the
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act. He also opposed nuclear-based energy extraction projects like Project Wagon Wheel in
Sublette County, securing legislation to prohibit federal funding for nuclear oil and gas recovery.
Gun Policy, Native Americans, and Elections McGee opposed restrictive federal gun regulations, supporting amendments to the
Gun Control Act of 1968 to protect law-abiding sportsmen and small businesses. He promoted Native American self-determination, co-sponsoring the 1972
Indian Self-Determination Act and establishing the
St. Stephens Indian School on the Wind River Reservation. In 1972, he proposed voter registration by mail to increase electoral participation, though the initiative stalled in the House.
Political Influence and National Issues , with Senate candidate Raymond B. Whitaker and Senator
Gale McGee (D-Wyo.), addresses a Cheyenne airport crowd before leaving for Denver and Chicago for a televised debate with
Richard M. Nixon McGee played a pivotal role in the 1960 Democratic presidential campaign, chairing Wyoming’s delegation and securing its support for
John F. Kennedy on the first ballot. Kennedy initially planned to bypass Wyoming in the general election due to its low electoral vote count, but McGee and Party Chairman Tracy McCraken convinced him otherwise. During a visit to Cheyenne on September 23, 1960, Kennedy acknowledged Wyoming's instrumental role in his nomination and demonstrated his understanding of the state's concerns, such as natural resource development. This visit reinforced Kennedy's connections with Wyoming leaders. Despite their efforts, Kennedy lost Wyoming in the general election, with the state's three electoral votes going to
Richard Nixon. and introduced the
Uniform Time Act to standardize daylight saving time and time zones nationally. President Johnson signed the bill into law on April 13, 1966.
Watergate scandal McGee approached the
Watergate scandal with caution, prioritizing institutional integrity over partisan response. As evidence of wrongdoing emerged, he shifted to a position emphasizing accountability, ultimately recognizing President
Richard Nixon’s resignation as unavoidable. Nixon would resign on August 8, 1974.
Foreign policy and foreign aid McGee was a committed anti-communist whose views were shaped by the
Domino Theory during the Cold War, which posited that the fall of one nation to communism could trigger the collapse of neighboring countries. His doctoral dissertation, The Founding Fathers and Entangling Alliances, argued for U.S. engagement in global affairs to maintain a balance of power. McGee served on the
United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations from 1967, was reappointed in 1969, and remained until his 1976 defeat. He chaired the Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee (1969–1970) and the African Affairs Subcommittee (1969–1972). He also led the 1971 Anglo-American Conference on Africa in
Teton Village, Wyoming.
Africa McGee emphasized support for African self-determination and political stability. He observed the
Congo Crisis firsthand in 1960 and proposed solutions involving strengthened
United Nations forces, a legitimate government, and the return of Belgian technicians. He supported a unified
Nigeria during its civil war and opposed Biafran independence, advocating national cohesion over tribal divisions. In the 1970s, he worked to repeal the
Byrd Amendment, which violated UN sanctions on
Rhodesia by permitting U.S. imports of chromite, warning that short-term economic gains could damage relations with African nations. In 1977, after McGee had been defeated for re-election, President
Jimmy Carter signed into law a resolution to reestablish the embargo against the purchase of chrome from Rhodesia.
Asia McGee advocated sustained U.S. involvement in
Asia to maintain influence and prevent domination by
China. McGee visited China in 1973 as part of a Congressional delegation, meeting
Zhou Enlai and discussing U.S. involvement in
Cambodia and regional stability. in Beijing (the Peking) In a one-on-one conversation, Zhou affirmed McGee's belief in the
domino theory, suggesting that U.S. intervention in Southeast Asia had prevented Chinese expansion, validating McGee's support of the Vietnam War. He also engaged with
India (meeting
Jawaharlal Nehru and
Indira Gandhi regarding aid and border disputes) and opposed aggressive responses to North Korean incidents, including the
USS Pueblo capture (1968) and the EC-121 shootdown (1969), advocating diplomacy alongside intelligence operations.
Vietnam War McGee consistently supported
United States involvement in the Vietnam War, emphasizing the necessity of preventing communist expansion in Southeast Asia. He advocated a strong military presence, supported gradual escalation, and opposed immediate withdrawal or negotiations without a position of strength. McGee viewed the war as part of the broader
Cold War struggle and endorsed the
domino theory, fearing U.S. retreat could lead to neighboring countries falling under communist control. While he backed peace talks, he stressed that any negotiated settlement must ensure regional stability. McGee first visited
Vietnam in December 1959 with
Albert Gore Sr., touring northern jungles and the
Mekong Delta, meeting with
Ngo Dinh Diem, farmers, and refugees. In February 1960, he addressed the Senate, defending Diem's progress in resettlement and highlighting Vietnam's strategic importance. In 1962, he joined Senators
Frank Church and
Ted Moss on a Southeast Asia fact-finding mission, visiting Vietnam and evaluating the
Strategic Hamlet Program, noting both successes and human rights concerns. Their report emphasized Communist China's influence while expressing cautious optimism about South Vietnam’s counterinsurgency efforts. Following the
Gulf of Tonkin incident on August 2, 1964, McGee supported the
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, authorizing President
Lyndon B. Johnson to escalate U.S. military action. In 1965, he debated
George McGovern and Church on the Senate floor and on CBS, defending U.S. involvement and warning of the dangers of communist expansion. He supported
Vietnamization, transferring military responsibility to South Vietnam while continuing U.S. aid. McGee also participated in campus teach-ins, engaging with students while encouraging civil discourse and criticizing excessive FBI monitoring of protests. In 1966, McGee strategically traded committee assignments to join the
Senate Foreign Relations Committee and visited Vietnam with
Cyrus Vance, observing the intensity of the conflict and noting discontent among South Vietnamese allies. He advised Johnson to strengthen South Vietnamese forces and suggested increased U.S. combat involvement to shorten the war. His strong defense of the war often put him at odds with Chairman
J. William Fulbright, particularly over criticisms of U.S. military power. McGee debated Vietnam with
Hans Morgenthau, his former
University of Chicago professor, defending U.S. involvement and advocating containment, while Morgenthau opposed the war and criticized bombing campaigns. In 1968, McGee published The Responsibilities of World Power in response to Fulbright’s The Arrogance of Power, defending U.S. strategy and emphasizing the importance of credibility and regional stability. In January 1969, McGee returned to the
Senate Foreign Relations Committee, vacated by anti-war candidate
Eugene McCarthy. McGee's reappointment reignited his political ambitions, and his first public statement expressed support for President Nixon's
Vietnamization plan to gradually withdraw U.S. troops and shift responsibility to South Vietnam. While continuing to back the Vietnam War, McGee also advocated for respecting the rights of anti-war protesters, urging schools to take student activists seriously. However, he condemned the growing anti-war movement, warning it could lead to isolationism and radicalism. During Vietnam
Moratorium Day in October 1969, McGee labeled the protests irresponsible. In May 1970, Senator McGee became increasingly isolated on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee as his Democratic colleagues turned against the Vietnam War. He initially defended Nixon's decision to invade Cambodia, urging patience, but the
Kent State shooting, where National Guard troops killed four students during an anti-war protest, sparked widespread protests in Wyoming. The Wyoming New Democratic Coalition and Young Democrats called for Nixon's impeachment. McGee tried to calm the unrest, encouraging students to focus on voter registration. On the University of Wyoming campus, tensions over a "Kent State" flag led to a compromise, and a vote condemning the killings. In 1971, following the
New York Times' publication of the
Pentagon Papers, McGee expressed concern that the release could harm U.S. credibility, strain alliances, and fuel adversarial propaganda, while also constituting a security breach. He acknowledged the study's historical value but cautioned against drawing conclusions based solely on its limited scope. Emphasizing the importance of transparency, McGee also stressed the need for responsible handling of classified information and objective analysis. He warned against emotional reactions influencing public opinion or policy decisions during crises, advocating for calm and reasoned evaluation. McGee opposed the
War Powers Resolution, arguing that the nation needed a modernization of decision-making processes rather than a solution based on outdated 1787 principles. He proposed forming a high-level panel to update foreign policy processes, with recommendations for Congress to adopt or reject, reflecting modern needs. On April 14, 1975, McGee and members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee met with
President Ford, Secretary of State
Henry Kissinger, Defense Secretary
James Schlesinger regarding Vietnam in the
Cabinet Room in White House. The meeting was called after President Ford requested $722 million in military aid to support South Vietnam against the North Vietnamese communists. This request came two years after the end of the U.S. combat mission in Vietnam. The committee members were concerned about the evacuation of American citizens and the possibility of a new war. They are also concerned about the amount of aid being requested by the President. The President assured the committee that his orders will be carried out and that he was committed to getting the Americans out safely. 2 weeks later, Saigon would fall.
International organizations and treaties Throughout his career, McGee strongly supported the goals and activities of international organizations such as the
United Nations,
NATO, and the
World Bank to protect and promote U.S. interests around the world. In 1973, McGee introduced a resolution to a convention to explore an
Atlantic Union between the US and North Atlantic Community. He supported initiatives like the
Antarctic Treaty, the
Limited Test Ban Treaty, and the
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, viewing them as crucial steps toward international stability.
Panama Canal Treaty McGee was a strong proponent of ratification of the Panama Canal Treaty. In 1974, McGee joined
Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and
Ellsworth Bunker in
Panama City for the US and Panama to sign an agreement to begin negotiations on the
Panama Canal Treaty. He would later introduce a Senate
Concurrent Resolution endorsing the principles for the new treaty. Throughout 1975–76, he was one of the most vocal supporters for the treaty, giving numerous speeches in the Senate, speeches to outside groups, as well as publishing Op-Eds, emphasizing the importance of considering the economic, military, and political aspects of the canal, while dismissing emotional arguments and outdated rhetoric. His public support would ultimately lead to his appointment as President Carter's
OAS Ambassador and point person to push for ratification in the Senate.
The United Nations Throughout his career, McGee was a strong advocate for the
United Nations, defending its role in diplomacy and support for U.S. interests. He countered criticism - often from his own constituents - of the UN as ineffective, citing its success in various crises and emphasizing its importance for global peace and security. McGee supported funding the UN and negotiated a reduction in U.S. dues to ease the financial burden while advocating increased contributions to key programs like the
UN Development Programme In 1967, President
Lyndon Johnson offered McGee the position of
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, suggesting it might lead to a future
Secretary of State role. McGee ultimately declined, and
Adlai Stevenson II was nominated. Later, in 1972,
President Nixon appointed McGee to a Congressional Delegation at the
UN General Assembly, where McGee's main objective was to secure a reduction of the U.S. annual dues from 31 percent to 25 percent. Working with Ambassador
George H. W. Bush, McGee successfully gained support for the reduction from 80 nations.
Latin America McGee's interest in foreign affairs began during his studies at the University of Chicago, where he focused on Latin America under
J. Fred Rippy and
Hans Morgenthau. This foundation led to McGee's Ph.D. in international political affairs. He emphasized the importance of this initiative and the urgency of implementing tangible reforms. While acknowledging the challenges and criticisms surrounding the program, McGee remained optimistic about its potential to bring positive change to the region. He stressed the importance of continued U.S. support and collaboration with Latin American countries to achieve the goals of the Alliance for Progress.
Chile In 1973, McGee, as Chairman of the
Western Hemisphere Affairs Subcommittee, investigated the CIA's involvement in the
1973 Chilean coup d'état which overthrew
Salvador Allende. Despite CIA denials, revelations of U.S. efforts to destabilize Chile emerged later, including
Henry Kissinger’s approval of funds to undermine Allende. This led to skepticism about CIA actions and informed congressional reforms, including the
Hughes–Ryan Amendment, mandating
covert operations oversight.
Cuba In March 1960, U.S. President
Dwight D. Eisenhower approved a
CIA plan to train Cuban exiles to overthrow
Fidel Castro’s government in
Cuba. The resulting
Bay of Pigs Invasion, under President Kennedy in April 1961, failed. (R-PA), Senators
Frank Church (D-ID), Gale W. McGee (D-WY) at
Guantanamo Naval Base in Cuba, leading up to the
Cuban Missile CrisisShortly after, McGee expressed concerns in the Senate about Soviet support for revolutionary movements in the Americas and remained wary of communism's spread in Cuba. He advocated for supporting reform movements and cautioned against provocative rhetoric towards Cuba. After a wave of airline hijackings by Cuban nationals in 1961, McGee advised distinguishing between minor incidents and serious threats to avoid an unnecessary conflict. He downplayed Castro's significance, referring to Castro as a "pipsqueak" urging against overreaction. In May 1962, McGee, in a televised discussion, expressed skepticism about the threat posed by missile sites in Cuba. During a visit to
Guantanamo Bay in September, he voiced confidence in the U.S. policy of "watchful waiting." In October 1962, Vice President
Lyndon Johnson, during a visit to Casper to help
Joe Hickey's re-election efforts, privately warned McGee to temper his public statements, given the escalating situation just before the
Cuban Missile Crisis. In the 1970s, McGee shifted toward advocating for normalized U.S.-Cuba relations, challenging embargoes and sanctions as ineffective. He criticized the U.S. policy that required Cuba to sever ties with the Soviet Union as a precondition for better relations, considering it unrealistic. As a congressional leader, McGee held subcommittee hearings and proposed repealing outdated resolutions, pushing for a more diplomatic, flexible approach to engage with Cuba.
Dominican Republic In 1965, the
Dominican Civil War broke out between the government of President
Donald Reid Cabral and supporters of former President
Juan Bosch. Johnson dispatched over 20,000 Marines to the Dominican Republic. McGee believed that the U.S. intervention in the Dominican Republic was justified. He acknowledged the complexity of the situation and that there were good and bad people on both sides of the conflict. He emphasized that the intervention was necessary to save American lives and prevent a Communist takeover. He also highlighted the fact that U.S. forces evacuated more foreign nationals than Americans. He believed that the President's quick action was commendable and prevented a greater tragedy.
Middle East Israel McGee consistently expressed strong support for
Israel throughout his Senate career. He frequently spoke to
Israel Bonds events throughout the United States. His views emphasized Israel's right to security and the U.S.'s obligation to assist Israel in the face of regional threats. In 1959, McGee and Sen. Gore met with Israeli Prime Minister
Ben Gurion on the issue of Palestinian refugees. Senator Gore expressed optimism about progress on the refugee issue based on his talks in the region. Ben Gurion was skeptical of
Nasser's sincerity but agreed to consider a separate solution to the refugee question. In 1970, he endorsed the idea of providing Israel with military aid, especially during and after the
War of Attrition, to ensure its defense against neighboring countries, aligning with proposals from figures like
Averell Harriman. In 1971, McGee led a CODEL to the Middle East, where he and other Senators met with Prime Minister
Golda Meir regarding Egypt's peace proposals after the
Six-Day War. Meir emphasized the need to distinguish between outward appearances and substance in Egypt's attitude while explaining Israel's position on the issue of withdrawal from occupied territories. McGee also condemned acts of violence against Israelis, such as the
1972 Munich Olympics tragedy, which he labeled "moral depravity." McGee remained steadfast in advocating for military aid and diplomatic support, as seen in his 1973 speeches supporting increased foreign assistance for Israel, including additional funding for peacekeeping and military support. He expressed concern over extremism, particularly from groups like the
Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), and cautioned against policies that would compromise Israel's security. McGee also strongly criticized efforts at the U.N. to delegitimize Israel, notably opposing resolutions that condemned
Zionism, seeing them as part of broader Arab efforts to undermine Israel's legitimacy. In 1974, the Beth Jacob Teachers Training Institute in Jerusalem dedicated a wing in McGee's honor.
Peace Corps In 1959, McGee proposed sending 12 million students abroad, advocating for cultural exchange over military presence. During his 1960 presidential campaign, Senator
John F. Kennedy gave an impromptu speech at the
University of Michigan, urging students to serve their country by living and working in developing nations. After assuming office, President Kennedy signed
Executive Order 10924, establishing the Peace Corps as a pilot program. He appointed his brother-in-law,
Sargent Shriver, as its first director, tasking him with building the organization. McGee praised Shriver's appointment and, alongside Senator
Hubert Humphrey, became an original cosponsor of S. 2000, the legislation formally creating the Peace Corps, signed into law in September 1961 McGee's steadfast belief in the Peace Corps’ potential to foster global goodwill was evident in his numerous Senate speeches and remarks. He consistently defended the program against criticism, emphasizing its vital role in promoting American values and ideals abroad.
Soviet Union By the time he arrived in the Senate, McGee was already well-versed in U.S. policy towards the Soviet Union. His fellowship at the
Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) in the early 1950s solidified his expertise on Soviet Policy. He wrote a paper, "Prospect for a More Tolerable Co-existence with the Soviet Union," emphasized shifting Cold War focus from Europe to Southeast Asia. He argued for recognizing Chinese independence from the Soviet Union, a unique perspective at the time. Stalin's death in 1953 prompted him to call for a reevaluation of U.S. policy towards the Soviet Union In 1956, because of the connections he made during his CFR fellowship, McGee led a group of teachers on a trip to the
Soviet Union; it was the first trip of its kind. It was a time when travel to the Soviet Union was not common, especially for non-diplomats. Notably, they gained access to a
Volgograd Tractor Plant, an area off-limits to American officials, including Senator
Henry "Scoop" Jackson who happened to be visiting the USSR at the same time. Upon his return, McGee and his wife shared their experiences through lectures and articles, generating significant interest among the Wyoming public. Despite initial concerns that the trip might negatively impact his political career, McGee found that the public's interest in the Soviet Union, heightened by the launch of Sputnik, made his experience a valuable asset.
Maiden speech On February 19, 1959, just six weeks after taking office, McGee addressed the Senate. Introduced by Senator
John F. Kennedy, he acknowledged the extraordinary responsibilities of new members due to their important committee assignments. He expressed that, given the pressing issues facing the nation, particularly regarding the Soviet Union and fiscal challenges, it was crucial for them to voice their perspectives. McGee advocated for a "war budget" in light of Khrushchev's threats and emphasized the U.S. should mobilize capitalism to address social issues and prove its superiority over Communism. His speech was well received, marking McGee as a premier orator. Colleagues, including
Edmund Muskie and
John Kennedy, praised his ability to speak without a manuscript, a skill he would frequently demonstrate throughout his career. McGee's oratory became legendary, with requests for copies of his speeches flooding his office, often resulting in replies noting his preference for speaking without notes. His talent earned him recognition, including a feature in
Esquire Magazine, which referred to him as the Senate's most brilliant speaker, drawing parallels between McGee's dramatic style and that of historical figures like
Henry Clay.
Berlin Crisis of 1961 The
Berlin Crisis of 1961 was a Cold War standoff over Berlin's status, culminating in the erection of the Berlin Wall. Tensions rose in June 1961 when Soviet Premier Khrushchev demanded U.S., British, and French forces leave West Berlin. McGee believed that the Berlin Crisis is not just a conflict between the Soviet Union and the United States, but a global issue with the world watching. He stated that the U.S. policy regarding Berlin is fundamentally correct and strong but has not gone far enough. He believed that the U.S. has allowed the Russians to manipulate them into an unfavorable position and that they should put Russia's proposals to the test. He argued that by exposing the Russian position on Berlin, the U.S. can regain the initiative and inspire people around the world, particularly in Africa and Asia. He expressed regret that the U.S. did not take a more proactive role during the Hungarian revolt by proposing a special United Nations commission to be flown into Budapest. He believed that the U.S. has failed to effectively communicate its position to the rest of the world, which has resulted in a loss of standing globally. McGee visited Berlin twice in 1961. During a September visit, he appeared on the television program "All of America Wants to Know" with Senator
Edmund Muskie, West Germany Mayor
Willie Brandt, Sir
William Hayter (Deputy Under Secretary of State for Great Britain), and
Eugene Lyons (
Reader's Digest Moscow correspondent). The program was filmed at the
Brandenburg Gate. In October, one week before the standoff at
Checkpoint Charlie, McGee was part of a Congressional Delegation to meet with Mayor Brandt and
Allen Lightner Support of U.S. Intelligence Community In March 1967,
Ramparts Magazine revealed links between the
CIA and the
National Student Association (NSA), raising concerns about CIA involvement in domestic issues. McGee defended the CIA's involvement in student groups. He argued that covert operations were necessary to compete with Soviet influence and that American youth groups could be effective ambassadors for the country. A July 10, 1975 memo from then White House Chief of Staff
Donald Rumsfeld to President
Gerald Ford listed McGee as one of many potential candidates to be
director of Central Intelligence. Rumsfeld listed "pros and cons" of each candidate (including
George Bush,
Lee Iacocca, and
Byron White and others). The memo thought McGee was a strong defender of the intelligence community, respected within the foreign affairs community, and well-regarded for his independence. On November 4, 1975,
William Colby was replaced as CIA Director by
George Bush in a major shakeup of President Ford's administration termed the
Halloween Massacre.
Re-election campaigns 1964 election McGee re-election campaign received strong support from both
President Kennedy and
President Johnson. In September 1963, Kennedy visited Wyoming delivering a speech at the University of Wyoming that encouraged public service and addressed resource use, fiscal policy, and the space race. . Days before Kennedy's assassination, McGee met with him to record campaign materials. In Wyoming's historically Republican landscape, the 1964 election was notable for Democrats nearly matching Republicans in funding and strategy. McGee, the only Democratic incumbent, was re-elected, and Democrats gained control of the state House and Wyoming's U.S. House seat. Republicans' narrow focus on defeating McGee weakened their broader campaign, while McGee discredited GOP policies, including support for
right-to-work laws and
Barry Goldwater. Lyndon Johnson also won Wyoming in 1964, no Democratic Presential nominee has won the state since. Organized labor and Democratic county organizations played crucial roles, with media and minority group participation, including Native Americans, boosting Democratic margins in urban areas. Despite facing a Democratic primary challenger due to his support for the Vietnam War, McGee secured the nomination by over 24,000 votes. Agnew campaigned for Wold without naming McGee. The
Denver Post criticized Agnew's approach, noting McGee's 69% alignment with Nixon's policies in 1969, compared to Wold's 49%.
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
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
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
PL 87-175 - (S. 702) An Act to exchange certain lands in Wyoming with the town of Afton. August 30, 1961
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
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
PL 87-516 - (S. 536) An Act to adjust certain irrigation charges against non-Indian-owned lands within the Wind River irrigation project, Wyoming
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
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
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
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
Medicine Bow National Forest known as the
Pole Mountain District. August 26, 1964
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 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)
Uniform Time Act of 1966, An Act to make uniform dates for daylight savings time. April 13, 1966 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 == United States ambassador to the Organization of American States ==