Sam Rayburn Signing a Bill

(Original Caption) The scene on the rostrum of The House of Representatives, November 13th, as Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn affixes his signature to the bill revising the Neutrality Act to permit armed American Merchant Ships to enter belligerent ports after it has been passed by the House, 212 to 194, after a bitter word battle on the floor. Watching the signing of the historic document are (left to right): Representatives Patrick J. Boland, of Pennsylvania, Democratic whip; Majority leader John W. McCormack, Massachusetts, Howard W. Smith, Virginia, and Lansdale G. Sasscer, Maryland, Democrat. The latter two led the House Democratic revolt against the bill.