In July 1955, Thurmond backed the Eisenhower Administration's plan for an expanded military reserve law, including peacetime officers receiving compulsory training. Thurmond argued the bill would strengthen Eisenhower during the Geneva Big Four summit and voiced stated his opposition to an alternate plan proposed by Richard Russell, which would abolish compulsory feature in addition to adding a bonus of $400 to males forgoing active duty, saying he did not believe patriotism could be purchased. In November, Chairman of the U.S. Tariff Commission, Edgar Brossard told Thurmond his position on domestic wool protection would be a factor in negotiating the next tariff agreement.