THE CASE OF THE MISSING SECRETARY - DHEWS FAILED EFFORTS TO CREATE A CABINET SECRETARY OF HEALTH

In response to professional and political pressures in 1967, an incide nt occurred at the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare that i llustrates the delicacy and complexity of the legislative process. In an effort to bypass interest group influences, the undersecretary of t he Department undertook a maneuver that backfired and frustrated an op portunity that might have resulted in the establishment of a Cabinet o ffice of Health. In addition to demonstrating the sensitivity of the l egislative process, and the dangers of overconfidence in dealing with the process, the events also offer moral guidance: too stubborn, ideal istic convictions of good people, however well intentioned the actions , may-serve to defeat the desired ends.