He is the first Iowa Democrat to hold that post since the 1890s. when it was held by a Greenbacker. Recently Mr. GOAD got an appropriation for the World Refugee Year included in the Mutual Security Act of 1959. for this he received a letter of commendation from the National Council of Churches. He was one of nine U.S. delegates to the June 1959 NATO conference in London and agreed with its action to recommend more economic and less military aid to underdeveloped countries. This was his first trip to Europe. He thinks the public is too critical of congressional travel abroad and insists that travel in other lands should be useful to legislators in checking on expenditures abroad and on implementation of foreign policy decisions. xv At lunch In the House restaurant I asked MERWIN GOAD whether his status as a minIster was a help or a hindrance to his work as a Congressman. On balance. he said. it is an asset. He thinks his clerical status helped him carry the appropriation for the World Refugee Year. and probably helps him get votes from Catholics. perhaps even more than from Protestants. He said his dual role brings him many invitations to speak to church groups in and around Washington. but it is not much help in Iowa. especially in his own denomination. the Disciples of Christ. Now that he does not have to depend on a church for support. he added. he enjoys giving volunteer service in small churches and in other situations where he can be of help.