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20.17.59-DUKE-WHITE HOUSE unhappy with REPUBLICANS who are refusing to go along with REAGAN'S wishes for HUGE INCREASES IN DEFENSE SPENDING. 20.18.14-C/S CASPAR WEINBERGER (Defense Secretary) in Senate committee hearing, says that DEFENSE cannot be cut any further without undermining "national security". C/S Sen. JOHN WARNER (R-VA) tells WEINBERGER there's no chance in hell that REAGAN is going to get all the money he wants for DEFENSE. C/S DAVID STOCKMAN (REAGAN'S BUDGET chief) in Senate committee hearing, C/S Sen. PETE DOMENICI telling Stockman that economic hard times dictate that DEFENSE share some of the belt-tightening. 20.19.24-M/S REAGAN taking podium in White House Press room, flanked by bright colored charts on easels. REAGAN says that America's defense has to be "rebuilt" in a long, hard process. Blames DEMOCRATS for subverting national security. Says that the RUSSKIES are loving seeing America at a disadvantage. 20.20.05-C/S Rep. PAT WILLIAMS (D-MT) says the DEMOCRATS' budget for DEFENSE is a realignment of national priorities, is no comfort to the KREMLIN. 20.20.30-DUKE-discussion with Ornstein of the ongoing DEFENSE battle. It will get tougher when Congress has to keep or cut specific appropriations for DEFENSE. Discussion with ROBERTS of increased power of DEMOCRATS in Congress making the going tougher for REAGAN in 1983. PARTISANSHIP looks to be the rule of the coming BUDGET debate. Duke intro commentary. 20.23.38-Commentary by Charles McDowell on annual GRIDIRON CLUB ROAST of political leaders. Notes the extraordinary good humor of all of the figures while being lampooned. It's not often that the President, Congress, and the Soviet Ambassador laugh at the same lame jokes. 20.25.38-DUKE-signs off. Closing credits/transcript order information/WETA credit/sponsor credits/PBS ID. 20.27.51--OUT
LAWMAKERS
20.17.59-DUKE-WHITE HOUSE unhappy with REPUBLICANS who are refusing to go along with REAGAN'S wishes for HUGE INCREASES IN DEFENSE SPENDING. 20.18.14-C/S CASPAR WEINBERGER (Defense Secretary) in Senate committee hearing, says that DEFENSE cannot be cut any further without undermining "national security". C/S Sen. JOHN WARNER (R-VA) tells WEINBERGER there's no chance in hell that REAGAN is going to get all the money he wants for DEFENSE. C/S DAVID STOCKMAN (REAGAN'S BUDGET chief) in Senate committee hearing, C/S Sen. PETE DOMENICI telling Stockman that economic hard times dictate that DEFENSE share some of the belt-tightening. 20.19.24-M/S REAGAN taking podium in White House Press room, flanked by bright colored charts on easels. REAGAN says that America's defense has to be "rebuilt" in a long, hard process. Blames DEMOCRATS for subverting national security. Says the Russians love to see America's defense in a weak position. 20.20.05-C/S Rep. PAT WILLIAMS (D-MT) says the DEMOCRATS' budget for DEFENSE is a realignment of national priorities, is no comfort to the KREMLIN. 20.20.30-DUKE-discussion with Ornstein of the ongoing DEFENSE battle. It will get tougher when Congress has to keep or cut specific appropriations for DEFENSE. Discussion with ROBERTS of increased power of DEMOCRATS in Congress making the going tougher for REAGAN in 1983. PARTISANSHIP looks to be the rule of the coming BUDGET debate. Duke intro commentary. 20.23.38-Commentary by Charles McDowell on annual GRIDIRON CLUB ROAST of political leaders. Notes the extraordinary good humor of all of the figures while being lampooned. It's not often that the President, Congress, and the Soviet Ambassador laugh at the same lame jokes. 20.25.38-DUKE-signs off. Closing credits/transcript order information/WETA credit/sponsor credits/PBS ID. 20.27.51--OUT
Capitol Journal - Military Pensions
(01:00:00) WETA logo, PBS funding credits (01:00:13) Opens to shot of Navy graduation ceremonies at Annapolis (?) - shot from the back of graduating class who stand and chant three cheers and throw off their hats on the third cheer, two unidentified men comment on the need for military pension changes, Capital Journal host HODDING CARTER stands outside the Capitol Building and introduces show (01:01:16) Capital Journal title screen and animation (01:01:23) Series of b/w photos and footage used to illustrate history of American military pensions - included is brief footage of troops fighting and marching in World War I, troops fighting in World War II, the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima, troops - some wounded - kiss the ground upon returning from World War II (homecoming, getting off ship at night), footage of Generals DOUGLAS MACARTHER and DWIGHT EISENHOWER consulting and walking with American troops in World War II, repeat of Navy graduation footage where graduating class throw off hats and cheer, brief clip from contemporary tv advertisement for the U.S. Navy (01:02:41) Carter standing outside the Capital Building explains why military pensions currently a hot topic (01:03:30) Footage of Representative LES ASPIN entering his office followed by his big shaggy dog, shot of Representative Aspen sitting at his desk and talking business on the phone, in interview with Carter Representative Aspen explains the military pension changes he is implementing, various shots of Aspen around office and walking to the Capital Building (01:06:34) In interview with Carter LESLIE GELB of the New York Times comments on Representative Aspen as the Chairman of the House Armed Forces Committee and his history as a Congressman (01:07:37) Shots of Representative Aspin's office and staff, very quick clips of Aspen appearing on various tv news programs, the Joint Chiefs of Staff meet with the House Armed Forces Committee - Chief of Naval Operations - Admiral J.D. WATKINS expresses his concern over the military's inability to pay its members' penions, commentary of Leslie Gelb on military pension crisis (01:09:00) In interview with Carter Assistant Secretary for Manpower LAWRENCE KORB praises Representative Aspen's pension plan and illustrates possible changes to the current pension system (01:10:07) Carter back outside the Capital segues to report on issue from Norfolk Virginia Naval Base, panning shot of two huge carriers at dock, group of jogging soldiers hold flag before them and chant song -"sound off"- in unison, shot of large camouflaged military carrier plane taking off, shot of men working in air traffic tower (01:10:52) A Navy tv commercial shows shots of Navy members taking on technical and mechanical tasks - doctor performing surgery, man using surveying tool, soldier reading radar screen etc - unfortunately Carter's narration is dubbed over commercial's sound, various shots of sailors working on a large carrier docked at the Norfolk base, two military men - one in service and one retired - comment on proposed pension plan cuts, shots of jets and their pilots moving about carrier deck (01:11:56) Carter interviews Retired Chief Recruiter RICHARD PINGREY of the Richmond District who speaks wearily of proposed pension cuts, footage of meeting between a Navy petty officer and her Navy career counselor - they discuss the future of the pension plan in Navy meeting room, Commander Masterchief JAMES KEENE of the Norfolk base describes the military retiring system as a mountain of "eroding sand", more shots of sailors doing various chores on board a large ship (01:15:00) Members of the Fleet Association in Northfolk - older retired sailors - sit around a table at their club and comment on how they think the proposed pension cuts will be detrimental to the armed services and its personnel (01:17:13) A series of Navy men tell Congress they should try the military life and experience the hard work it involves before voting to cut pensions (01:18:01) Carter interviews Senator THOMAS EAGLETON and GEORGE WILSON of the Washington Post in a fancy Congressional office - they talk about how heavy the cuts will be and the Pentagon's response, why the cuts are necessary and how it will effect armed services recruitement (01:26:12) Carter thanks guests and closes out show, credits roll over footage of sailors performing a ceremonial march in front of a Washington monument - a bugler plays "taps" and President RONALD REAGAN is in attendence (01:27:31) PBS funding credits
LAWMAKERS
WETA "LAWMAKERS" 5/05/1983 IN 20.45.00-WETA credit/sponsor credits/title sequence 20.45.57-PAUL DUKE/LINDA WERTHEIMER/COKIE ROBERTS-on program-REAGAN ADMINISTRATION takes beating in Congress over FOREIGN POLICY, HOUSE votes to crack down on COVERT CIA OPERATIONS to aid the NICARAGUAN INSURGENCY (CONTRAS) and endorsed a NUCLEAR FREEZE RESOLUTION. The SENATE was supportive of WILLIAM RUCKELSHAUS, REAGAN'S nominee to head ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY. However, SENATE REPUBLICANS seem likely to endorse more DOMESTIC SPENDING than REAGAN wants. Intro RUCKELSHAUS story. WERTHEIMER-after the corrupt and controversial leadership of ANNE GORSUCH at EPA, RUCKELSHAUS has pledged to enforce the laws on POLLUTION. 20.47.18-C/S Sen. PAT MOYNIHAN giving GORSUCH a chewing out over her enforcement of SUPERFUND law. GORSUCH is not penitent. MOYNIHAN asks why REAGAN administration keeps reducing funds for enforcement, ostensibly with GORSUCH'S approval. M/S WILLIAM RUCKELSHAUS taking seat to testify to committee. C/S Sen. ROBERT STAFFORD, C/S Sen. JENNINGS RANDOLPH [D-WV], both say that RUCKELSHAUS must make clear that he is going to enforce the ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS. WERTHEIMER v.o.-GORSUCH'S administration embarrassed REPUBLICANS, who have been hurt by the public's concern for the ENVIRONMENT, DEMOCRATS also pleased by the change at EPA. C/S Sen. GEORGE MITCHELL (D-ME) praises RUCKELSHAUS'S integrity and credentials. Sen. JOHN CHAFEE (D-RI) concurs. C/S RUCKELSHAUS testifying, v.o.-RUCKELSHAUS was fired from JUSTICE DEPARTMENT by NIXON when he refused to fire ARCHIBALD COX as WATERGATE SPECIAL PROSECUTOR when COX was getting too close to the truth. 20.49.55-C/S Sen. HENRY JACKSON (D-WA), says he can't believe that RUCKELSHAUS is willing to leave private job to head the EPA. C/S Sen. DAVID DURENBERGER (R-MN) says it's fortunate that RUCKELSHAUS is willing to go back to the public service sector, hopefully he drove a hard bargain with the White House. Sen. STAFFORD asks RUCKELSHAUS about assurances of INDEPENDENCE from WHITE HOUSE. RUCKELSHAUS says he has all the assurance possible. WERTHEIMER v.o.-RUCKELSHAUS' employment with WEYERHAUSER LUMBER is a concern for ENVIRONMENTALISTS. C/S RUCKELSHAUS pledging to be active and dilligent in enforcing ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS. M/S GARY HART, says he doesn't trust REAGAN'S commitment to the environment. RUCKELSHAUS insists he will proceed without being bound by Reagan. 20.52.35-DUKE-discussion of other REAGAN ADMINISTRATION agenda on Capitol Hill. ROBERTS-House approved a NUCLEAR FREEZE RESOLUTION that REAGAN had opposed. Despite the 2-1 margin, opponents satisfied with weakening amendments, but REAGAN still opposed to NUCLEAR FREEZE idea, Senate likely to defeat it. WERTHEIMER-HOUSE INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE has voted to CUT OFF funds for COVERT OPERATIONS in NICARAGUA. SENATE REPUBLICANS also giving REAGAN problems by disagreeing with DOMESTIC SPENDING and TAX POLICY. DUKE-intro report on UNEMPLOYMENT, still 11 MILLION unemployed, many without HEALTH INSURANCE.
Washington Week Show - WW 4247 - "Tax Cut Deal"
Show host Gwen Ifill introduces segment on new tax cut. Predictably, Democrats and Republicans had different views on what the tax cuts would accomplish. Minority Leader Sen. Tom Daschle (D-SD) says, "The gimmickry in this bill has enough slight of hand, budget tricks to make an Enron accountant blush." Majority Leader Sen. Bill Frist (R-TN) says, "And you can say this to every single American: you will have more money and will pay less in taxes." Back in studio, Ifill notes it took a tie-breaking vote from U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney to pass the bill, asks Jeffrey Birnbaum of Fortune Magazine how the deal got to this point. Birnbaum says Republican Congressmen were invited to the White House by the President where they were scolded for feuding with one another. The Congressmen got their act together and came up with deal but the deal was rejected by an important moderate Republican in the Senate, George Voinovich (R-OH), displeasing the head of the House Ways and Means Committee. It took separate private conversations with VP Cheney to calm both sides, further trim the deal, make it amenable to all Republicans.
Biography: George Marshall
Media at a Congressional hearing regarding prior knowledge of the Pearl Harbor attack. Press snapping pictures as George Marshall in sworn in for testimony. Congressional committee during trial. George Marshall giving his testimony, the next information I had was the notification of the actual attack on Pearl Harbor. Of my own recollection, I don t recall if I was at the War Department or at the House. I m told on one side by the Secretary of the General Staff at that time, acting Secretary at that time, General Dean that I had returned to the House. I m told on the other hand by my orderly that I was at the War Department. I don t know where I was, I m not aware. Admiral Stark tells me and I m quite certain he s right, I don t recall it, he s undoubtedly right that he asked me at the time of our second conversation that morning, that they had a rapid means of communication and did I wish to use it. And I told him no. That must be a fact. I don t recall it. It must be a fact.
Twenty-five Years Ago
Twenty-five Years Ago Winter clamped a crippling grip on the nation from coast-to-coast, with record snows and freezes in Colorado, Illinois, New York. People digging out. Shoveling. Niagara river shoked with ice. Destroying riverbank homes in the process. Dust storms scourged northwest Texas and Oklahoma. View of farm house and barn during storm. People in the news included J. P. Morgan, testifying before a senate committee; evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson leading a parade of her four square gospel followers; Mr. And Mrs. Charles A. Lindbergh exiting cargo ship with son. Rumors of another kidnapping are threatened, as the execution date of Bruno Hauptman draws near. An improbable invention tested in Kansas City, a sort of wind-tunnel atop a car, was a remote forerunner of currently proposed convertiplanes.
"Operation Abolition": HUAC Film on U Cal Protest
US Government, anti-communist, propaganda film produced by the House Committee on Un-American Activities about the HUAC hearings in San Francisco May 12-14 1960. The film purported to give the facts about the events in San Francisco (about how the Communists are inciting violent disruptions and the students are Communist dupes), but eye-witnesses have testified that it was filled with inaccuracies and distortion of facts. This film is packed with great footage of demonstrations, protests and lots of that demonstrative anti-communist rhetoric that the US govt. was so (in)famous for at that time. (Note that this print is not high quality and appears, from the size of the grain, to be a print of a print of a print etc. optical track is not great but is understandable).
LAWMAKERS - LM086 - "Budget Alternatives"
Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill speaking to press, says the budget is "moderate" but shows "growth" and "fairness." Cokie Roberts (VO) says, “The Democrats want to ride the theme of fairness all the way to the 1984 elections”; Democrats holding press conference. U.S. Representative Howard Wolpe (D-MI) in his office, says Democrats have to get used to making hard choices, that it's important to work together to set the choice boundaries. Rep. Wolpe in committee meeting, discussing the deficit; bar graphs on paper show the deficit over time; Cokie Roberts and Rep Wolpe (VO) giving background and purpose to the meeting. Rep. Wolpe says the survey was a positive step for getting Democrats to understand the parameters of tough political choices. Democrats want to stand for fairness and responsibility in government.
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
John Kramer, professor of law at Georgetown University, thinks there's a strong contrast in the testimony of former White House aide Gordon C. Strachan, between his belief that former Counsel to the President John Dean is the "truth teller" and deputy campaign director Jeb Magruder being the "liar." The biggest question was the role of H.R. Haldeman, which was why Strachan was called to testify in the first place. The Senate Committee wanted to know if Haldeman knew of or had any role in the Watergate affair before the break-in occurred, what role he played if any in the subsequent cover-up, and if there was anything illegal in the transfer of the $350,000 in campaign funds. It is the opinion of Kramer that Strachan's testimony "seems to exculpate, not implicate Mr. Haldeman."
Press Conference for Reagan Cabinet Nominees
Press conference for cabinet nominees of U.S. President Elect Ronald Reagan, held at the Mayflower Hotel; adult Caucasian male reporter asks Secretary of State nominee Alexander Haig to comment on his time as the White House Chief of Staff during the Nixon administration, asking his opinion on wiretaps involving journalists and the Cambodian bombing campaign. Haig jokingly says he would have been disappointed if the subject was not raised, wants to set the record straight on what has been reported recently. Haig says he has appeared before several grand juries, Senate investigating committees, and courts of law on these subjects, and nothing came up regarding his culpability. Haig says he would like to save any answers on these subjects for his Senate confirmation hearings and the Foreign Relations Committee.
Geraldine Ferraro Interview : Pt 1
U.S. House Representative Geraldine Ferraro (D-NY) sitting opposite Linda Wertheimer in office. Wertheimer begins by stating the television program will address the U.S. relationship with the Soviet Union, and education; issues that women care very much about and have called attention to the gender gap. However, the most political document now is the budget. Wertheimer: "Is the growing political clout of women taken into account in that document?" Rep. Ferraro references programs like Aid for Dependent Children, Legal Services, Food Stamps, and Housing --- primarily used by women --- that have been put back into the budget with more funding, after previously being cut by the Reagan Administration. Buzzing sound interrupts interview. Ferraro reiterates her previous point once again, taking some credit for pushing for these programs as the only female Democrat on the Budget Committee.
Watergate Hearings - Statement of John J Caulfield May 22, 1973
During the next 3 years, first on orders from Mr. Ehrlichman and later in some instances, on orders from Mr. John Dean, Mr. Ulasewicz, under my supervision, performed a variety of investigative functions, reporting the results of his findings to the White House through me. I do not fully recall all of the investigations performed in this fashion, but have available a list of those which I do recall if the committee wishes to examine it. In July of 1970 John Dean became counsel to the President and Mr. Ehrlichman was named to the position of Presidential Assistant for Domestic Affairs. Thereafter I worked directly for Mr. Dean, but on occasion Mr. Ehrlichman continued to call upon me directly for investigative work involving the services of Mr. Ulasewicz.
Campaign Spending Gilligan & A
View of Caucasian man wearing a plaid suit coat sitting behind a desk. There are microphones placed on the desk in front of him. View of reporter listening and camera man filming. CU of man as he talks about public financing. He states that he wanted to open up a public forum in order to encourage compromise and avoid "the shot-out at the OK corral conference committee and allow a campaign financing bill to pass". View of Governor John Gillian being interviewed. A reporter is in the shot with a microphone in his hand. CU of Gillian as he gives an example of an unrealistic campaign financing bill. View of reporter Keith Pape standing in front of the State House with microphone in hand. He gives his final commentary regarding the campaign financing bill.
JFK Assassination Hearings - Dr. Cyril H. Wecht
New exhibits appear - diagrams of people's position within the car (15:51:10) Purdy asks how the people's positions were determined in the diagram - Wecht explains: review of film, consultation with people involved and witnesses (15:51:45) Purdy asks how in conjunction with bullet's normal path diagrams disprove single gun theory - Wecht responds bullet's courses remain straight unless disrupted by hard surface (15:52:43) Purdy asks if Connally could have held on to hat after getting shot in the wrist - Wecht responds "absolutely not," Wecht states that in last Zapruder photo you can see Connally still holding his hat 1.5 seconds after being supposedly being shot, even with nerve damage that did occur in wrist and after being shot through the chest (15:53:55) Purdy asks if it is Wecht's opinion that in this frame Connally has been shot - Wecht responds no (15:55:21) Two more photos of the Zapruder film are added (15:57:00) Purdy asks if Connally has now been struck in the new photos - Wecht answers yes and explains with the photo (15:57:13) Chair, Mr. STOKES, calls committee recess, for house vote - camera pulls out to reveal dispersing audience (15:58:25) Host of hearings, SAMFORD UNGAR, voices over court shot to announce recess (15:58:40)
Ronald Reagan - Address to the Nation on the Economy, October 13, 1982
Much of the work that remains to be done requires congressional cooperation. As you know, Congress adjourned October 2nd for the election campaign. But it left behind a lot of unfinished business. For this reason, I urge the Congress to reconvene after the elections so that it can do its part as quickly as possible to continue the work of recovery. We simply can't afford to wait until next year when something as vital as the economic health of America is at stake. The Congress will return on November 29th. It will face five top economic priorities, priorities that must be addressed. First, the Congress must do its part to control government spending. Before adjourning, it sent me only two appropriation bills. Eleven more remain to he passed. And I will use the veto, if necessary, to keep them within the budget. When the Congress passed the tax package this summer, it pledged to save $3 in outlays for every $1 in new revenues. I intend to hold the Congress to its word. Second, I urge the Congress to reconsider the constitutional amendment to balance the budget. This crucial measure was passed by the Senate and supported by a clear majority in the House of Representatives. It was only defeated because of the hard core opposition of a minority of Representatives who prefer continued big spending. Third, the Congress should act on regulatory reform to help make government more economical and efficient and the private sector more productive. Regulatory reform legislation was passed unanimously by the Senate but was bottled up in committee in the House. Fourth, the time has come for passage of the enterprise zones initiative to revive declining inner city and rural communities by providing new incentives to develop business and jobs. This program was approved by the Senate Finance Committee, but still awaits action on the Senate floor and in the House. And, fifth, we need to pass the clean air bill which, while protecting the environment, will make it possible for industry to rebuild its productive base and create more jobs.
LAWMAKERS
WETA "LAWMAKERS" 12/29/1982 IN 19.56.39-WETA credit/sponsor credits/ 19.57.03-in to C/S Rep. JIM WRIGHT (D-TX, Majority Leader) in debate in House, bemoaning efforts by REAGAN to bully the Congress. 19.57.14-Title sequence 19.57.39-PAUL DUKE-end of the 97th Congress, marked by turmoil and controversy over ECONOMY. Summary of the partisan considerations and REAGAN'S leadership in the Congress, with dissent from REAGAN'S agenda in 1982. 19.58.31-COKIE ROBERTS-intro report on the BUDGET DEBATE in 97th Congress. 19.58.48-C/S Rep. RICHARD BOLLING (D-MO) calling REAGAN'S efforts to influence Congress "excessive". M/S JIM WRIGHT bemoaning REAGAN'S efforts to bully Congress. C/S Rep. JOHN ERLENDORN (R-IL) says he's glad that REAGAN is using the VETO to finally get the DEMOCRATS to stop their "tax and spend" ways. Shots of REAGAN at a podium in various settings, among crowd of supporters. Shots of a joint session of Budget Committees. Sen. CHARLES GRASSLEY (R-Iowa) says the Senators have to bite the bullet and make tough choices. Sen. PETE DOMENICI jokingly asks if GRASSLEY is going to vote for his budget. Sen. PAT MOYNIHAN, Sen. HOWARD METZENBAUM (D-OH), calls the REPUBLICAN BUDGET unfair. ROBERTS v.o.-the House proposed 7 different budgets, none of which passed. 20.01.01-Rep. JIM WRIGHT urging compromise. Rep. CHARLES SHUMER (D-NY) says everyone talks about cutting spending, but no one has the guts to make cuts. Rep. BARNEY FRANK excitedly arguing that Congress has to choose between helping little old ladies and building bombs. Rep. DAVID OBEY (D-WI) says all the budgets are lousy, but Congress has to pass a budget. ROBERTS v.o.-a Conservative budget won, but the DEFICIT was so high that REAGAN had to ask for a TAX INCREASE, which BOB DOLE steered through committee. Shots of DOLE and SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE in session. Shot of Rep. DAN ROSTENKOWSKI (D-IL) seated next to DOLE in joint committee hearing, ROSTY says he will be glad to let DOLE be in charge of the TAX INCREASE. DOLE jokingly votes "no" when the motion is voted to make him chairman. 20.02.46-DUKE/ROBERTS-discussion of fiscal matters, REAGAN pledging never to raise taxes again, but asking for a GAS TAX increase to fund HIGHWAY REPAIR PROJECT. The DEFICIT is incredibly high, so TAXES might continue to go up as DEFENSE EXPENDITURES continue to bust the budget even as SOCIAL PROGRAMS are slashed. Discussion of the Budgetary process. 20.05.34-DUKE-The 97th Congress also had to negotiate a CONSERVATIVE SOCIAL AGENDA encompassing ABORTION, SCHOOL PRAYER, REAGAN'S efforts for SOCIAL ISSUES took back seat to getting REAGANOMICS passed, snub to the CONSERVATIVES in House and Senate. LINDA WERTHEIMER-says the CONSERVATIVE legislative strategies on these issues were flawed.
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of John Caulfield. May 23, 1973
Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities, May 23, 1973 Senator Edward Gurney (R Florida). One final question, you served for some time under Mr. Ehrlichman in the White House, for how long a period? John Caulfield. From April 8, 1969 through July of 1970. Senator Edward Gurney (R Florida). Did you see quite a bit of him during this time? John Caulfield. No sir, I wouldn't characterize my time under Mr. Ehrlichman as frequent visits, I would be working very closely with his staff people primarily Bud Krogh who had a variety of duties in the Federal Law enforcement area, and I would work primarily through Mr. Krogh into Mr. Ehrlichman. Senator Edward Gurney (R Florida). But you were generally familiar with some of the missions of the work that Mr. Ehrlichman was carrying on in the White House, is that a fair to say? John Caulfield. Generally familiar yes sir. Senator Edward Gurney (R Florida). Would you say that it was also a fair thing to say that Mr. Ehrlichman undertook a great many missions, a good deal of work in the White House in his duties on his own, on his own independent carrying out, is that a fair thing to say? John Caulfield. Well of course I have no way of knowing that senator. Senator Edward Gurney (R Florida). Would that be your impression? John Caulfield. It's possible senator. Senator Edward Gurney (R Florida). I don t have any further questions Mr. Chairman.
LAWMAKERS
IN 01.11.00 01.11.00-WETA credit/sponsor credits 01.11.24-COKIE ROBERTS-on program: Recess interrupts House debate on BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT. PAUL DUKE-REAGAN defends record on CIVIL RIGHTS. 01.11.41-title sequence 01.12.09-DUKE-BUDGET DEBATE continues, rumors of a pending compromise between White House and HOUSE DEMOCRATS on spending, debate renews interest in BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT. ROBERTS-DEFICITS worry Congress. 31 states have called for a CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION to amend the CONSTITUTION. 01.13.19-shot of a KENTUCKY STATE LEGISLATOR announcing a resolution to call for a CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION, he feels it's necessary because Congress is too irresponsible with spending. Shot of KENTUCKY STATE SENATOR, urging his colleagues to tell Congress that BALANCED BUDGETS are important. ROBERTS--he KENTUCKY HOUSE balked at the resolution, worried that a Convention could cause other problems. Shot of a State Senator, says that a Constitutional Convention is from the days of Wigs and wooden false teeth. Another State Senator says that there's no other way to force the U.S. Congress to be responsible. 01.14.17-shot of an AFL-CIO leader, says that a CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION could also consider issues like SCHOOL PRAYER, ABORTION, and almost any other issue. Shot of AFL-CIO workers collating mailings on issue. Shot of Rep. BARBER CONABLE (R-NY), says that the caliber of leadership at a modern Convention would be less than in 1787. Shot of Rep. ED JENKINS (D-GA), says a CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION could be dangerous, could be taken over by well-financed interest groups. Shot of CONABLE, says the governement works under crisis, fiscal discipline is only one example. Shot of Rep. PETER RODINO (D-NJ, chair of judiciary committee), ridicules the idea that an AMENDMENT could force the attitude of DISCIPLINE that is really needed in Congress. 01.16.45-shot of man working in office for TAX LIMITATION lobbying group. ROBERTS v.o.-lobbyists have raised 3.5 million dollars to promote the BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT. Shots of lobbying materials on shelves in office. Shot of chair of lobbying group, says that Congress is getting the message. Shots of meeting of NATIONAL TAX LIMITATION COMMITTEE. 01.17.57-Shot of Rep. JENKINS in office, makes a phone call to get colleague to support the AMENDMENT. JENKINS v.o.-now has 190 co-sponsors to the BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT. Shot of REAGAN in press conference, reporter asks if he would support a BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT. REAGAN says that he does support the idea as the answer to "uncontrolled government spending" [weird, considering the $92 billion DEFICIT in REAGAN'S 1982 budget plan]. ROBERTS v.o.-REAGAN'S weak endorsement isn't good enough, because RODINO has the AMENDMENT under lock and key in the JUDICIARY COMMITTEE. Shot of RODINO in office, says that he'd be surprised if proponents of the AMENDMENT didn't have genuine doubts about whether it would work. 01.19.41-Shot of Rep. CONABLE, says he does have doubts about the BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT, but he does know that the Government is growing and spending too much. 01.20.17-DUKE/ROBERTS-discussion of BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT. Notes that ORRIN HATCH is a big proponent of the AMENDMENT in the SENATE.
Capitol Journal
01.14.43-Host Shields talks about the irony of the IRANIAN backing of the LEBANON MARINE BOMBING in 1983, and REAGAN'S anger against IRAN, asks how selling arms to IRAN can now be justified. COHEN says it's difficult to justify. The mistake was made in giving arms to IRAN, although the goal of getting the hostages freed was a noble one. Says that it was the wrong tactic to deal with terrorism. FOLEY says giving arms to IRAN was a major policy, not just an "execution" of a different policy, it should not have been undertaken without the knowledge of Congress. Discussion of past allegations that ISRAEL was sending arms to IRAN in the past. COHEN says such stories were not credible and vague, it could be Congress' fault for not investigating. FOLEY says that every scandal produces a "we should have known" flood of stories, but in this case the sale of arms was so contrary to the Reagan Administrations fervently avowed policies that no one thought it was possible. 01.17.49-Rep. FOLEY says the American people in general have "hard attitudes" toward Iran, and they are shocked to hear that the Administration could have been supplying arms to Iran. Carter thanks guests. 01.18.30-Shot of JOHN POINDEXTER and his lawyer in House committee hearing, the attorney has an angry exchange 01.19.08-Shields intro guest commentators Ed Walsh (Washington Post) and Steve Roberts (NY Times). Discussion of the House committee being perhaps overly solicitous of North and Poindexter in the hearings. Walsh says the House wanted to get a piece of the action on IRAN-CONTRA. Roberts says there was a side of the hearings where Congressmen tried to shame NORTH and POINDEXTER into testifying for the national good versus taking the fifth to cover their own behinds. Carter says that there was extensive praise of NORTH by the Congress. Walsh-it's tough for Congress to take on "war heroes" like North on TV, dangerous to confront them. Discussion of the Democrats' problems being considered soft on Defense and Communism. Roberts says that Democrats need to avoid getting far ahead on the issue or it will look like a partisan effort to kick Reagan around. 01.21.40-Discussion of the House investigative committee. Lee Hamilton likely to dominate the hearings, a dogged seeker of the facts thus far. Discussion of the importance of Iran-Contra to Congress. It will dominate the agenda at first, but how long the interest lasts will depend on when and how North and Poindexter testify. If they don't add any new allegations, then the scandal will probably fade. 01.24.20--Carter says that the Press was following the lead of Congress on Watergate, a similar scandal. Questions how the Press will treat IRAN-CONTRA. Roberts says that many young reporters want to be Woodward and Bernstein, and no paper wants to lose the story, so there will be some heated coverage. But the coverage will depend on whether further witnesses introduce new allegations about higher ranking officials. 01.26.27-Shields signs off closing credits/funding credits/PBS ID 01.27.48--OUT
The Supreme Court Confirmation Hearings: The Vote
U.S. Senator Edward “Ted” Kennedy (D-MA) shares his thoughts on confirming Justice William Rehnquist as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, says the Chief Justice is the highest symbol of U.S. commitment to the Constitution and to the Bill of Rights. Kennedy says the Chief Justice is the ultimate protector of freedom and the system of equal justice. Kennedy says the record of Justice Rehnquist contains overwhelming and shocking evidence of his intense life-long hostility as a lawyer, a public official, and as member of the Supreme Court to the claims for racial justice. Kennedy says Rehnquist’s record is equally unsatisfactory on other great issues fundamental to the system of justice; Rehnquist is wrong on equal rights for women, wrong on the separation of church and state, wrong on the most basic individual protected by the 1st Amendment. Kennedy calls Rehnquist an extremist, whose views place him far outside the mainstream of debate about the Constitution. Kennedy believes Rehnquist is too extreme to sit as Chief Justice. Kennedy says Rehnquist was not candid to the committee on controversial instances that have marred the hearings, for example Rehnquist’s denial of voter intimidation in Arizona, but the evidence that he did is overwhelming. Kennedy says Rehnquist had totalitarian views about the right of government to spy on citizens and violated the basic rules of judicial ethics. Kennedy intends to vote against Rehnquist as Chief Justice, hopes the Senate will do the same, adding that Rehnquist’s extremist views have no place in the office of Chief Justice. Kennedy says the debate in the Senate Judiciary Committee will shift to the House floor, noting the nomination of G. Harrold Carswell by the Committee, but was rejected by the Senate. Kennedy votes "no."
Iran-Contra Hearings - Testimony of Colonel Oliver North.
In Studio: Judy Woodruff-Well let me ask you about the little bit of dissention that surfaced on committee late this morning. That is when your Republican colleague of the House Committee Congressman Richard Cheney criticized the Democratic Chairman of the Senate Committee Senator Inouye for raising this over the weekend. Do you think Senator Inouye was out of line in what he said? On Location: Lee Hamilton-I have not seen Senator Inouye s comments. I have not seen the transcript. I did not see the program yesterday. I did see the newspaper articles this morning. I was traveling in Indiana over the weekend and I simply take the word of Senator Inouye and Senator Rodman, who indicated that his comments were appropriate. In Studio: Judy Woodruff-Congressman do you feel that by the end of the Poindexter testimony, let me put it this way, that you will have a pretty good sense of how high up this goes? On Location: Lee Hamilton-Well I keep thinking every time that the next witness will clear up a lot of the problems. And the pattern of these hearings seems to be that the next witness raises questions for the next witness after that. So I don t want to say that things will suddenly become clear with Admiral Poindexter s testimony. We still have to hear after all from the Secretaries of Defense and State and the Attorney General and Mr. Eagan and others. Who certainly will be able to shed additional light on these events? In Studio: Judy Woodruff-And do you expect that by the time you heard from them you ll have the whole story? On Location: Lee Hamilton-Well I can t judge that at this point in the hearings. In Studio: Judy Woodruff-Well Congressman Lee Hamilton we thank you for joining us.
August 2, 1994 - Part 1
(09:40:13) I'm here today to answer your questions and help clarify any outstanding issues concerning contact between the Treasury Department and the White House on the Resolution Trust Corporation's investigation of Madison Guaranty. I have cooperated fully with all investigations into this matter, including those conducted by Mr. Fiske, the Office of Government Ethics, and congressional committees. Several Members of this Committee have commented on my personal diary, and if I might, I would like to make one brief point about it. I started keeping this diary nearly 6 years ago. I would write in it fairly infrequently, sometimes every 2 weeks. Other times, 6 weeks would go by before I made an entry. Indeed, some of the entries of interest to this Committee describe events that occurred nearly a month before I wrote about them. I made no effort to check the accuracy of my diary because this was never intended to be a precise narrative or a verbatim account of what took place. At times, it included impressions of meetings that I did not even attend. It was, more than anything, a way to reflect on events and draw lessons from my personal and professional experiences. Today, you will ask me questions under oath, and I hope my answers will clarify the entries I made in my diary. Since the time I first made these entries, I've had a chance to reflect about precisely what I know. I wish that my diary was more accurate but I take my responsibility to this Committee very seri- 321 ously, and I feel obligated to present the facts as truthfully as I possibly can. Thank you. The CHAIRMAN. Thank you. Mr. Nye, I think you're probably the next most senior person at the table. I'm not sure on that, in terms of these job titles, but why don't you go next here. TESTIMONY OF J. BENJAMIN H. NYE, SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE DEPUTY SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY, U.S. DEPART. MENT OF THE TREASURY, WASHINGTON, _DC Mr. NYE. Mr. Chairman, Members of the Committee, my name is Ben min Nye and I welcome the opportunity to appear here today. I'd like to provide you with a brief summary of my back ground for the benefit of this Committee and an outline of my role in the matters at band. Prior to working at Treasury, I worked in Boston as a business consultant in the strategy group of a firm called Mercer Management Consulting. I left in early February to begin work in public service, and have since worked at the Treasury Department for the past year and a half. I first joined Treasury as a Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary for Economic Policy. There I served as both the Chief of Staff, managing 54 people and the office budget, as well as a policy advisor to the Assistant Secretary on issues such as the 1993 budget bill, the earned income tax credit expansion, the auto task force, and several other policy issues. I then succeeded Josh Steiner as the Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary. I began working for Roger Altman in early September 1993 and I still do so today. ' My involvement in the events related to Madison Guaranty comes through meetings I attended within the Treasury and at the RTC. I did not attend- the White House meetings that have been the subject of these hearings. Furthermore, I did not have any phone conversations with anyone at the White House on this matter. Finally, I do not know, or did not know of the Treasury-White House meetings which occurred before February 2, and which did not include the Deputy Secretary himself. In conclusion, I would like to state, for the record, that I have the utmost respect for the integrity of the people with whom I work at Treasury. Roger Altman, Jean Hanson and Josh Steiner are friends yes, but more importantly, I know them to be honest forthright, and extremely credible. I'd be happy to answer any questions you or other Members of the Committee may have. Thank you. The CHAiRmAN. Thank you. Mr. Foreman, I know you have a statement, and we'd like to bear your statement now. TESTIMONY OF DENNIS 1. FOREMAN, DEPUTY GENERAL COUNSEL, DESIGNATED AGENCY ETHICS DIRECTOR, U.S. DEPART MENT OF THE TREASURY, WASHINGTON, DC Mr. FOREMAN. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good morning, 322 Good morning, Senator DAmato, Members of the Committee. My name is Dennis Foreman. I'm the Deputy General Counsel of the Treasury Department. I have been in public service for nearly 24 years. I a Vietnam veteran having served in the Army's Airborne Special Forces. I was with the U.S. Foreign Service for 5 years, including postings to the U.S. embassies in Beirut and Tanis, and the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in New York. I've worked in four Executive Branch legal offices In 1989, 1 was selected to be the Assistant Legal Advisor for Ethics and Personnel at the Department of State, which was my first position with ethics responsibilities. In January, 1991, 1 was appointed to the Treasury Deputy Counsel position, which carries with it the responsibilities as the Designated Agency Ethics Official. I'm appearing here today at the Committee's request to discuss matters pursuant to Senate Resolution 229. Because of my position as the Senior Ethics Official at Treasury, I have certain responsibilities. To put those responsibilities in proper perspective, I think it's appropriate to briefly review some of the events in which I was involved.
August 2, 1994 - Part 11
(00:11:28) Hearing resumes: The CHAIRMAN. The Committee will resume. Senator Mack of Florida. Senator MACK. Thank you Mr Chairman. Senator SARBANES. Mr. Chairman, I wonder if it would be possible to do--since most Members said 5 minutes, whether we could go to 5 minute rounds recognizing that Senator Gramm, of course, as more--maybe, he could do 10 minutes when be gets his round. Senator MACK. I indicated I didn't think I would go over 5 but I do want to have the opportunity to go through with my questions. Senator SARBANES. I'll withdraw then. 528 The CHAIRMAN. We'll stick with the 10-minute rounds and if you don't need that long, you can just yield the time back. Very good Senator Mack. Senator MACK. Just before the break, Senator Kerry said kind of toward the end of his questions, Mr. Altman, you are not answering my question. And frankly, that's been a constant refrain from both sides during this hearing. My impression is that you have no interest in finding the truth or providing it to the Committee. I say that for many reasons, the latest of which is the conversation you had with Mr. Podesta on March 1, 1994. Mr. Podesta called you about a week after your testimony on February 24 and raised Significant concerns about the accuracy of your testimony. There were several areas he thou ght you should correct. I'm going to focus on the omission of the fall meetings between White House Counsel staff and Treasury officials. When Mr. Podesta brought up those meetings to you, you told him you didn't even want to hear about it. Mr. ALTMAN. Senator, that's not what I said. Senator MACK. I'll give you an opportunity to respond. I'm going to read out of the transcript here. Now a whole group of attorneys down at the White House Counsel's Office thought you should correct the record and you didn't even want to hear about it. That's certainly the impression that we drew. Mr. ALTMAN. That's not what I said, Senator. Senator MACK. Members of the White House Counsel's Office undertook a very serious analysis of the accuracy of your testimony. Question: What was the conclusion of that serious analysis? Answer: The conclusion of the analysis was that in whatever capacity Ms. Hanson, or Mr. DeVore, or Mr. Steiner were over there, the Committee needed to be aware of these contacts. Question: The testimony? Answer., We thought this was very serious. Question: The testimony needed to be supplemented in some way? Answer: Yes. Question: What did Mr. Altman say on March I when you either read or paraphrased that second question? Answer: From February 24? (And he's referring there to Senator Bond's questions about contacts.) He said that-he again said it was an accurate statement. I said to him that there may be information that he would have to acquire to supplement this answer. He said I don't know whether we should be even having this conversation or something to that effect. Then I said well, you may have a duty to supplement your testimony from the perspective of an agency witness. He, I think at that point, did not want me to give him specific information about contacts that I was aware of because I think he was at the point just not sure about whether he should be learning additional facts subsequent to the hearings. The next day you sent this Committee your first of what turned out to be 4 letters to correct the record. in that letter, you continued to be, again in, my opinion, evasive as you were in the February 24 hearing, and I'm going to read from that letter. It is basically a three-paragraph letter, third paragraph: But I have learned today of two conversations which did take place between Treasury staff and White House personnel on this matter. My information is that both related to handling of press inquiries.