FDR's Inaction on the Wagner-Rogers Bill

FDR himself took no position on Wagner-Rogers, instead choosing to follow public opinion rather than to form it and lead it. An inquiry by Congresswoman Caroline O’Day as to the President’s stance on Wagner-Rogers was returned to Roosevelt’s secretary marked “File No action FDR.”

Memorandum for the President

Meanwhile, Eleanor Roosevelt, the First Lady, told reporters that the Wagner-Rogers Bill was "a wise way to do a humanitarian act," adding “England, France, and the Scandinavian countries are taking their share of these children and I think we should." The Wagner-Rogers Bill was supported by a wide range of clergymen, labor leaders, university presidents, actors such as Henry Fonda and Helen Hayes, and political figures such as 1936 Republican presidential nominee Alf Landon and his running mate, Frank Knox. Former First Lady Grace Coolidge announced she and her friends in Northampton, Massachusetts would personally care for 25 of the children.

Opponents mounted a vigorous behind-the-scenes attack. This, together with the absence of White House support, resulted in a committee vote that required the 20,000 prospective child immigrants to be charged against the existing German quota. This maneuver nullified the original purpose of the legislation. Wagner-Rogers was, in effect, killed.