The Union Daily Times

Washington, April 25. (By the Associated Press) A majority of the Muscle Shoals joint congressional committee plans to report to the house and senate tomorrow a bill for leasing Muscle Shoals to the Associated Southern Power Companies.

Passage of the measure at this session of congress is regarded as unlikely. The administration program for legislation before adjournment, as outlined Saturday, does not include Muscle Shoals.

While opponents of a private lease hope to prevent action on the project at this session, it is believed by some that Henry Ford may yet come through with a bid that would be satisfactory. This is reported to have been indicated by friends of the Detroit manufacturer.

The bill favoring the Associated companies was settled upon at Saturday night's committee meeting, and drafting of the measure was begun.

Two members of the committee -- Senator Heflin, Democrat, of Alabama and Representative James, Republican, of Michigan -- will file separate minority reports. Mr. Heflin will report in favor of the American Cyanamid Company's bid while Mr. James will oppose acceptance of any of his bids.

The power companies' proposal has the endorsement of Chairman Deneen; Senator Sackett, Republican, of Kentucky; Representatives Morris, Republican, of Pennsylvania, and Quinn, Democrat, of Mississippi.

Both the Associated companies and the Cyanamid company agreed in their final bids to manufacture 40,000 tons of fixed nitrogen annually.

The Associated companies proposed to distribute all power not needed for fertilizer manufacture, while the Cyanamid company would use additional power for manufacture of other chemicals and materials and would distribute the remainder.

With the issue now ready to be carried to the floor of the house and senate, Senator Norris, Republican, of Nebraska, opponent of private leasing, has returned from a visit to Muscle Shoals and other power projects in Alabama and has announced his determination to continue his fight for government operation of the properties.