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JFK Assassination Hearings - The Weapons Experts Panel (Part III) and Dr. Vincen
(15:46:14) Chair calls Guinn and swears him in (15:46:52) Chair recognizes Committee Counsel JIM WOLF - Wolf asks several questions about Guinn's background in science and litigation (15:48:05) Guinn explains with what purpose one conducts a Neutron Activation Analysis test (15:48:42) Wolf gives a hypothetical scenario about someone being murdered with an axe, he asks if neutron activation analysis could prove that metal fragments found in the victim's head matched the axe in question - Guinn responds that it could only determine that they came from the same type of axe (15:49:35) Guinn explains that this test makes it easier to differentiate between metallic objects rather than conclude they come from the same source (15:50:03) Wolf asks several questions in order to review the steps of the test procedure and how it works for the committee (15:53:53) Wolf asks how many different bullets Guinn has analysed - Guinn reponds 165 different brands and production lots (15:54:15) Guinn lists the elements that commonly come up in bullet lead: antimony, copper and silver, and then the less common ones (15:56:35) Guinn answers several questions about his analysis of Mannlicher-Carcano ammunition, in his answers he lists the peculiar traits of this ammunition: that it is low in antimony and that within a single production lot there is a lot of compositional variety - Guinn adds that most bullets within a production lot are carbon copies of one another, even to neutron analysis - Guinn answers other questions about these peculiarities
JFK Assassination Hearings - Dr. Michael Baden (Part II)
New exhibit added, it is an illustration of JFK's neck and shoulders from the front, the throat is lacerated - Baden identifies and describes the illustration (10:25:00) A blow up photograph of the neck injury is added - Baden describes and indentifies the photograph and tells the committee that the panel concluded that it was the result of both a tracheotomy attempt by the doctors at Parkland hospital and a bullet exit wound - they confirmed their findings with the Parkland doctors (10:25:35) Returning to JFK's clothing Baden points out the bullet hole in the neck corresponds to a rip in the shirt and tie that would have matched the location at the time of the assassination on JFK's body (10:28:20) Klein introduces the autopsy reports as exhibits - Baden indentifies and describes the reports and their preperation, which includes a supplimentry report written two weeks after the assassination analysing the brain after it had fixed in formaldihyde (10:29:39) Baden tells the committee the report's conclusion about the gun shot wound to the back and neck - it is the same as that concluded by the panel - Klein asks if this conclusion was unanimous for the panel to which Baden responds yes (10:31:40) Exhibit of profile images of JFK's head introduced, one head is static, the other is depicted as moving in stages - Baden identifies the pictures and describes them as a depiction of the bullet's track through JFK's neck and the different angle possibilities for it's flight course, depending on JFK's head position (10:32:30)
Capitol Journal - Budget Gramm/Rudman
(01:00:00) WETA logo, PBS funding credits (01:00:13) Opens to President RONALD REAGAN speaking before a joint session of Congress and stating that the federal budget system is broken, unidentified man introduces budget to Congressional Committee - this opening footage contained in window in center of the screen, underneath window runs a banner reading Capitol Journal (01:00:32) In tv studio Capitol Journal host HODDING CARTER introduces show, Capitol Journal title screen and animation, Carter explains the show's topic - the federal budget, shot of Congressmen sitting around a rectangular line of tables fornulating the budget, graph of the rising national debt from 1961 to 1986, Reagan in his 1982 State of the Union address speaks of cutting taxes and government spending, in 1984 State of the Union Address Reagan says defense budget is not to be cut to save money - shot of Defense Secretary CASPAR WEINBERGER who nods in approval, 1985 State of the Union address Reagan says reduction of government spending comes with increased general prosperity, Representative JIM WRIGHT in interview with Carter says that Reagan is dooming debt on to future generations of Americans (01:03:55) Back in studio Carter segues to segment on budget talks so far, Senator WILLIAM ARMSTRONG makes a statement in support of Reagan's budget, various shots of Congressmen formulating and negotiating their own budgets - shots of Speaker of the House TIP O'NEIL and Senator Dole leaving a budget negotiation meeting, entering their cars and commenting on the future of budget negotiations (01:05:29) Back in studio Carter segues to footage of further development of the budget, Senator PHIL GRAMM at a press conference celebrates the success of his deficit reduction proposal, shots of the House of Representatives debating the balanced budget proposal (01:06:28) Back in studio Carter segues to another segment, at Republican Conference in Baltimore Representative JOSEPH DIOGUARDI speaks about the Republican party, various shots of conference, at Democratic Conference Representative RICHARD GEPHARDT addresses the Gramm-Rudman deficit reduction act, at 1986 State of the Union address Reagan says his budget will take care of all government needs even with further cuts in taxes, various shots of the 1987 Federal Budget running through the printing press machinery and emerging in book form, at the House Budget Committee Hearing Defense Secretary Weinberger testifies, quick shots of various department heads meeting with Congressional committees, Representative DAVID OBEY tells someone that the budget their asking for can't be afforded, footage of a Senate Budget Committee meeting where members discuss the formulation of a bipartisan budget - Senator PETE DOMENICI is one of those who speaks (01:10:48) Back in studio Carter segues to interviews conducted earlier with Senator Domenici, Representative WILLIAM GREY, and Director of Office of Management and Budget JIM MILLER in their respective offices - they discuss the budget in relation to Congressional Democrats, Republicans, the Reagan administration and the Gramm/Rudman deficit reduction act (01:19:30) Back in studio Carter introduces discussion panel: DONALD LAMBRO of United Features Syndicate, HOBART HOWELL of the Washington Post, STEVE ROBERTS of the New York Times - they talk about the budget war - tax increases, cuts in social spending, cuts in the military budget, if there will be a compromise, etc (01:26:54) Carter thanks guests and closes out show, credits roll (01:27:30) PBS funding credits
LAWMAKERS
01.10.31-WERTHEIMER- PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN has met with some members of Congress on TAX BILL, will have to convince SUPPLY-SIDE advocates like CONGRESSMAN JACK KEMP (R-NY). Congress must decide between twin evils of TAX INCREASES and HIGHER DEFICITS. 01.10.54-DUKE/ROBERTS-discussion of SENATE endorsement of BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT, political grandstanding involved, irony that SENATE REPUBLICANS just voted for a budget with a $150 BILLION DEFICIT, then turned around to support the amendment. House won't go for the amendment so easily. Intro report on SENATOR BOB PACKWOOD (R-OR), a maverick of sorts among REPUBLICANS. 01.12.30-Shot of SENATOR BOB PACKWOOD (R-OR) playing squash. SENATOR BOB PACKWOOD (R-OR) v.o.-says that he gets into debates with the sole purpose of winning. Shot of SENATOR BOB PACKWOOD (R-OR) walking down sidewalk. DUKE v.o.-summarizes SENATOR BOB PACKWOOD'S (R-OR) history of winning elections. Clip of 1968 debate between SENATOR BOB PACKWOOD (R-OR) and incumbent SENATOR WAYNE MORSE (D-OR). SENATOR BOB PACKWOOD (R-OR) v.o.-says he thought he had a chance to win in 1968, wasn't satisfied with the State legislature. Clip of SENATOR PACKWOOD (R-OR) criticizing SENATOR WAYNE MORSE (D-OR) for equating U.S. involvement in VIETNAM with SOVIET invasion of CZECHOSLOVAKIA, says MORSE is so mistaken about foreign policy that he forfeited his right to remain in the Senate. Some applause, DUKE v.o.-PACKWOOD'S performance in the debate put him over the top with voters. 01.14.35-Shot of Mary Ann Dawson, former Packwood aide, says that SENATOR BOB PACKWOOD (R-OR) has an independent attitude that appeals to Oregon voters. Clips of SENATOR BOB PACKWOOD (R-OR) campaign video, of him walking in rain, holding umbrella, shaking hands with supporters. SENATOR BOB PACKWOOD (R-OR) v.o.-Oregon is a tolerant state, voters tell him they vote PACKWOOD even if they disagree with him because he votes for his convictions. DUKE v.o.-the Oregon voters give PACKWOOD license to be a maverick Republican. Shot of SENATOR BOB PACKWOOD (R-OR) chairing SENATE COMMERCE COMMITTEE, DUKE v.o.-PACKWOOD supports deregulation, but also supports consumer protection. Shots of SENATOR BOB PACKWOOD (R-OR) entering a committee room. Shot of SENATOR BOB PACKWOOD (R-OR) sitting in committee with SENATOR BOB DOLE (R-KS). DUKE v.o.-PACKWOOD has liberal attitudes toward CIVIL LIBERTIES. 01.15.56-Shot of SENATOR BOB PACKWOOD (R-OR) speaking at a rally. Calls PHYLLIS SCHLAFLY the "General Cornwallis" of the Anti-feminist movement. Pan over crowd on Capitol Steps, many holding NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR WOMEN signs [irony, irony, irony]. Shot of SENATOR BOB PACKWOOD (R-OR) receiving some honorary award with a Hebrew inscription on it. DUKE v.o.-PACKWOOD a strong supporter of ISRAEL, opposed the sale of AWACS Radar planes to SAUDI ARABIA. Shot of SENATOR BOB PACKWOOD (R-OR) entering WHITE HOUSE past Marine guard. Shot of SENATOR BOB PACKWOOD (R-OR) leaving White House. PACKWOOD v.o. discussing his defeat. SENATOR BOB PACKWOOD (R-OR) says that PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN made so many individual phone calls to the Senators, many were overwhelmed by the pressure. Shot of SENATOR BOB PACKWOOD (R-OR) and aide walking through hallways. DUKE v.o.-PACKWOOD set for major battle with ANTI-ABORTION groups over CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT to ban ABORTION. PACKWOOD v.o.-it's an emotional issue, but he won't let the government take women's right to choose abortion away, it will set women's rights back. The fight will be tough and close, but he thinks he can win in the Senate.
July 29, 1994 - Part 1
(11:22:24) The CHAIRMAN. Thank you, Senator Faircloth. I might say that issue has arisen a couple times and I want to provide a little information on it. On July 28, yesterday, the Park Police informed the Committee by letter that Captain Charles Hume, who went to the White 23 House to interview Mr. Foster's co-workers and search Mr. Foster's office, was out of town, could not be reached and would not appear here to testify. It came as a surprise to all of us. When he was deposed by the Committee on July 22, which was a week ago, be was told, and I quote: There are going to be hearings next week that also stem from Resolution 229, which brings us here today, an you may be called as a witness at those hearings. So he was under very direct and explicit notice. A joint letter of invitation was sent to him 2 days ago as we were formalizing our formal witness list, but be bad been on notice a much longer period of time. Although this may be an innocent misunderstanding and I won't make a presumption one way or the other, the notice given at the beginning of the deposition makes it difficult for -me to understand why he would leave town without checking with the Committee or leaving a telephone number where he could be reached. They tried to reach him and have been unable to do so, I would also say this: The area that be's most directly involved with, at least to my view, relates to the activities in the White House, Mr. Foster's office, and the documents there. We've been asked not to deal with this right at this time by Mr. Fiske, and so we respect that, I know you've just expressed your view on that matter. We do have people here from the Park Police who actually were on the scene and were central to the investigation of Mr. Foster's situation. They're going to be here before us later today, and so we'll have the ability to, I think, in a variety of ways to get all the information we need in this area, but let me put that information on the record at this point. Senator D'AMATO. Chairman, I'll tell you what's troubling this Senator that's come from my colleagues, as the Committee begins its hearing today without one of the most crucial witnesses to the Foster death investigation, and that is Captain Hume. Captain Hume testified, at length in his deposition last week, that the Park Police were unable to do their Job investigating the tragic death of Vincent Foster because the White House wouldn't let them do their job. He went on to testify, and I quote: It became a joke that the Park Police had to wait to get permission from the White House before they could do their job. Clearly, if we are going to go into the manner in which the investigation was conducted, Captain flume should be here. I would hope if we cannot ascertain with definiteness by some time that we would issue the necessary subpoena and also bring in his supervisors, because we were also told that he could be beeped at any time. We have some t" you can get us any time. Any time you want, beep us." So I don 't know whether he's been ordered Senator BOXER. Point of order, Mr. Chairman. I thought we would all be heard and then we would get into these decisions. The CHAIRMAN. We will. Senator DAMATO, I just wanted to make our point of view known, And I've concluded, but I think it's important certainly that we get his boss to find out bow it is and how can we get contact 24 with him particularly when we were told we could get him any time of & day or night, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, always has a beeper. The CHAIRMAN. I don't want to get us diverted on this. I'd like to make this statement and --:-' Senator KERRY. Well, be do- The CHAIRMAN. No, I want make my statement first. I under- stand you're seeking recognition. Let me make my comment and then if you want to be recognized, I will be happy to recognize you. I want to indicate that we have a sworn deposition from this individual. He will be called to testify beyond today. We're not going to et hung up on that point. So that's not an issue. We'll have him in here for and questions that need to be raised. His supervisor is here today an be can answer questions as well. So I trust that we'll settle that matter.
August 4, 1994 - Part 1
(09:20:24) As all of you know, the President introduced major health and welfare reform legislation that our country so badly needs, and after getting the Brady Bill passed, we are on the threshold of passing a sweeping and a meaningful crime bill. And our 1995 budget and related appropriations bills are moving forward in an orderly and a timely manner. I also want to emphasize, and to say very sincerely, that the people who work in the White House are some of the finest people that I have ever known. They are dedicated public servants and represent our Nation's very best, as they should. It was a privilege for me to be their Chief of Staff and it continues to be a privilege for me to work with them on a daily basis. If there were errors, they were made in good faith. None of US are perfect and none of us ought to assert that we are. And I am confident that this Committee, like the Special Counsel, the Office of Government Ethics, and the White House Counsel will conclude that no one did anything wrong, that we served our President and our country well, and that now it is time for us to get back to work. Mr. Chairman, thank you very much. The CHAIRMAN. Thank you, Mr. McLarty. Ms. Williams, we would like your statement now please. TESTIMONY OF MARGARET A. WILLIAMS, ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OF STAFF TO THE FIRST LADY, WASHINGTON, DC MS. WILLIAMS. I am Margaret Ann Williams, Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff to the First Lady. I am grateful to Chairman Riegle and the Members of the Senate Banking Committee for the opportunity to address you concerning my very limited contact with the Treasury Department in connec. tion with the work of the Resolution Trust Corporation. That contact was confined to a meeting on February 2nd of this year, and an encounter with Deputy Treasury Secretary Roger Altman several days later. But prior to my testimony, I think the Committee might find it useful to know a little about my professional background and my duties and responsibilities as Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff to the First Lady. My appointment to President Clinton's staff came after a brief stint with the Clinton-Gore campaign, where I served as Mrs. Clinton 's communications director. I joined the staff of the Children's Defense Fund in 1985, as a senior media analyst responsible for developing and overseeing an advertising campaign on teen pregnancy prevention. In 1988, 1 became CDS director of media affairs and served on CDS's six member management committee. Prior to CDS, I worked for the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, developing a media relations program for that organization. I have served as a campaign press secretary and a national and congressional campaign secretary and held a number of media-related jobs. I hold a master's degree from the Annenberg School of Communications at the University of Pennsylvania. As one of seventeen Assistants to the President, I participate, as directed by the Chief of Staff to the President, in management issues and communications meetings and work groups. As Chief of Staff to the First Lady, I manage, direct, and advise a staff of thirteen who support the activities of the First Lady. Those areas include policy, press relations, White House events and social activities, scheduling and correspondence. Because of Mrs. Clinton's involvement in Health Care policy., spend a good deal of time facilitating selective Health Care admin- istrative and policy issues across White House departments and the Cabinet. Late last year, the number of Whitewater press inquiries began to increase and my staff was required to spend more and more time answering these questions. Let me make it clear that I was not involved in the legal representation of the President or Mrs. Clinton. My activities with regard to Whitewater generally involved addressing management and information concerns related to overwhelming media interest in the matter. I made a conscious decision that I and other members of the First Lady's staff would not use our time with her discussing Whitewater unless we were trying to obtain facts to answer press inquiries, facts which could not be found elsewhere. I believed that our priority, and it was my job to keep us focused on our priority, was health care, and that we could keep our focus and help Mrs. Clinton to keep her focus by using the time we had with her on health care and on her many official and social obligations. Let me now address my involvement in the meeting of February 2, 1994.
August 4, 1994 - Part 7
(16:35:32) Senator SHELBY, Did you know that he had had about 12 hours Of preparation for the hearing? Mr. PODESTA. I did not. Senator SHELBY. But you knew he spent time preparing. 370 Mr. PODESTA. I suppose--I assumed maybe, rather than know, that he generally prepared, but I did not have any idea what the preparation had been. Senator SHELBY, Down at the White House, you all were very aware of this oversight hearing regarding RTC. Mr. PODESTA. We were aware of it. Senator SHELBY. It was not a run-of-the-mill hearing, was it? Mr. PODESTA, We assumed it would be used as an opportunity to get into Madison. We wanted it to be fair and balanced. Senator SHELBY. If Mr. Altman-have you seen the letters that Mr. Altman sent to this Committee supplementing his testimony? I believe it's three or four of them. Mr. PODESTA. I have. The letter on the 11th and 21st, I saw briefly in my Senate deposition. That was the first time I had seen them. Senator SHELBY. If Mr. Altman testified originally before this Committee as to what is contained in those letters cumulatively, could you tell me whether you would still have the same concerns that you did with the accuracy of his testimony? In other words, you had concerns with the accuracy of what he said Mr. PODESTA. I think the sum of those four letters address the concerns we had identified on March 1st. Senator SHELBY. Mr. Podesta, you're familiar---I guess everybody in the world is probably familiar now with Mr. Steiner's diary of what he kept. Mr. PODESTA. Again, I think the first time I saw it was in my House interview on the matter. They showed it to me. Senator SHELBY. So you're familiar. Everyone is familiar. Mr. PODESTA. Generally speaking. Senator SHELBY, Were you at the meeting-were you at one of the meetings at the White House where Mr. Altman came down to talk to Mr. Nussbaum? Were you not at one of the meetings? Mr. PODESTA. No. Senator SHELBY. You never went to any of those meetings? Mr. PODESTA. No. Senator SHELBY. Did you ever talk to him about recusal before his appearance before this Committee's oversight hearing? Mr. PODESTA. Are we talking about Mr. Altman? Senator SHELBY. Uh-huh. Mr. PODESTA. No. Senator SHELBY. It was never brought up. Mr. PODESTA. I never talked to Mr. Altman before his appearance. Let me put that in context. I never talked to Mr. Altman about his appearance at this Committee or anything having to do with any of his testimony. Mr. Altman, as you know, is in and out of the White House. I see him on a lot of other matters. Senator SHELBY. Have you ever talked to Mr. Nussbaum about Mr. Altman's recusal, in other words, have a conversation with Mr. Nussbaum? Mr. PODESTA. Yes. Certainly on March 1st. Senator SHELBY. According to what we've learned here, Mr. Podesta, of what you have said-and you can correct the record if I say it wrong-that Nussbaum told you that he had told Altman only to recuse himself if he was legally required to do so and he 371 should not recuse I himself if it was a matter of discretion. Did he use the word "legally"? Mr. PODESTA, I don't think that's my testimony, Senator. Senator Shelby, You've never said that? Mr. PODESTA. I don't think that's my testimony, but let me tell you what I-let me give you my recollection, which is that Mr. Nussbaum's position was that Mr. Altman should recuse himself if he was legally or ethically required to do so. I think there was some implication that he shouldn't-that it was his view that he shouldn't if he wasn't legally or ethically required to do so. Senator SHELBY. Were you concerned about the perception of maybe impropriety if he stayed there, rather than a legal aspect of it? Mr. PODESTA. Was I concerned? Senator SHELBY. About Altman's Mr. PODESTA, In advance of his recusal? Senator SHELBY. Right. Mr. PODESTA. I thought, at that point, he had made a decision that he wasn't going to recuse himself, and that he just needed to be prepared to answer questions about it. Senator SHELBY. Mr. Stephanopoulos, we don't have much time, as you know. You were asked about the Jay Stephens' hiring and I understand that. We know he was the U.S. Attorney, Republican U.S.
July 27, 1995 - Part 3
(14:00:48) The CHAIRMAN. We're going to call our next panel, Mr. Adams, Mr. Salter, and Mr. Flynn. [Witnesses sworn] 544 We're going to start with Mr. Adams, then we will go to Mr. Flynn and Mr. Salter. If you have statements we would be glad to receive them at this time. Mr. Adams. SWORN TESTIMONY OF ROGER C. ADAMS COUNSEL TO THE DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL CRIMINAL DIVISION, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Mr. ADAMS. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I do have a brief opening statement. The CHAIRMAN. Mr. Adams, you can pick it up; don't be afraid to move it. That's it. Mr. ADAMS. Is that better? Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee. Good afternoon. My name is Roger Adams. I'm an attorney with the Department of Justice. I first joined the Criminal Division of the Department in 1972 and have been with that Division ever since. During that time I have had a variety of responsibilities and have had several details and special assignments. One such detail began on May 6, 1993 when I was asked to join the staff of Philip B. Heymann who had been nominated to be Deputy Attorney General. After Mr. Heymann was confirmed, he asked me to remain on his staff. I was on Mr. Heymann's staff -in July 1993, and I am still in the Deputy Attorney General's Office today. My present title is Counsel to the Deputy Attorney General. On July 22, 1993, 1 was present when a search was conducted of the office of the late Vincent Foster, who had committed suicide 2 days previously. I will try to answer any factual questions the Committee may have concerning my recollection of the details of this search and the events leading up to it. The CHAIRMAN. Thank you very much, Mr. Adams. Mr. Flynn. SWORN TESTIMONY OF DONALD A. FLYNN SPECIAL AGENT, U.S. SECRET SERVICE Mr. FLYNN. Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee, MY name is Donald A. Flynn. I'm a special agent with the U.S. Secret Service, where I've been employed for the past 14 years. I'm here to cooperate and answer any questions with regard to this inquiry. Thank you. The CHAIRMAN. Mr. Salter. SWORN TESTIMONY OF SCOTT SALTER SPECIAL AGENT, FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Mr. SALTER. Yes, sir, my name is Scott Salter. I'm a special agent with the FBI here in Washington, DC, and I'm prepared to answer any questions from the Committee. The CHAIRMAN. Were you involved in any way with this investigation? Mr. SALTER. Yes. I became involved in the investigation on July 21, 1993, and continued through about the first week in August 1993. 545 The CHAIRMAN. Thank you, Mr. Salter. Mr. Chertoff. Mr. CHERTOFF. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Adams, let me direct your attention to July 1993. On July 21, 1993, the day after Vincent Foster's body was discovered in Fort Marcy Park, were you assigned by the Deputy Attorney General of the United States to go to the White House in connection with an investigation being conducted by the Park Police? Mr. ADAMS. Yes, I was. Mr. CHERTOFF. With respect to you, Agent Salter, were you also on that same day, July 21, 1993, directed to go to the White House in connection with an investigation being conducted by the Park Police? Mr. SALTER. Yes, I was. Mr. CHERTOFF. Can you tell us, Mr. Adams, where you went in the White House? Mr. ADAMS. Where I went in the afternoon of the 2 1st? I went with Mr. Margolis to the Office of the White House Counsel, Bernie Nussbaum. Mr. CHERTOFF. Agent Salter, did you go to that office as well at some point later in the day on the 21st? Mr. SALTER. Late in the day on the 21st, I did. Mr. CHERTOFF. Were you there together with Mr. Adams? Mr. SALTER. Yes. Mr. CHERTOFF. Agent Salter, what was your purpose in being there in Mr. Nussbaum's office late in the day on the 21st? Mr. SALTER. On July 21st, our field office opened a preliminary inquiry into the investigation of Mr. Foster's death. It was our instructions that the U.S. Park Police was the lead agency on this investigation, and we were there to assist them. Mr. CHERTOFF. So the Washington field office of the FBI had opened a preliminary inquiry into the death? Mr. SALTER. That's correct.
CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE - "Complicated Congress"
Series editor Norman Ornstein points out that making laws is messy by nature, and with Congressional activity more open than ever to media exposure, those messier aspects of legislating are subject to public scrutiny. Another factor is the world has changed, become more complicated, so that tends to lead to more pessimistic viewpoints when solutions to problems are not apparent or easy to implement. Show host Edwin Newman asks if the Congressional establishment needs to be as large as it is. U.S. Senator Dale Bumpers (D-AR) suggests reforming tenure in Civil Service. In a representative government where politicians are supposed to respond to the people and be held accountable, yet no matter how many names and faces change in either chamber or in the White House, the bureaucrats never really go away, so that needs to change. Ornstein asks about Senate staffs, if they really are running things more than they should. Senator Bumpers says yes, but each Senator uses their staff differently. Newman asks whether there is the perception that staffers are becoming "un-elected members of Congress." U.S. Representative Dick Cheney (R-WY) thinks that is true despite the House having less committee assignments and workload than Senators. He understands staffers are needed to provide information but there is the danger of information overload. Rep. Cheney thinks there is a more efficient way to get information and make informed decisions, but nothing is coming soon.
August 4, 1994 - Part 7
(15:15:02)(tape #10092 begins) PBS funding credits (15:15:12) Whitewater coverage title screen (15:15:24) Hearings hosts KEN BODE and NINA TOTENBERG introduce afternoon's hearing from tv studio, they also talk to ELLEN POLLACK of the Wall Street Journal (15:39:52) Hearing begins: The CHAIRMAN. The Committee will come to order. This afternoon, on this panel, we have before us Mr. Harold Ickes who is 353 Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. George Stephanopoulos who is the Senior Advisor to the President for Policy and Strategy, Mr. John Podesta who is Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary, and Mr. Bruce Lindsey who serves as Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor. Gentlemen, let me ask you now, if you would, please, stand and raise your right hand. Do you swear that the testimony you're about to give is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God? The WITNESSES. I do. The CHAIRMAN. I understand that all of you have statements and let's just start with the senior-I'm not sure what the rank is here, being respectful, would that be you, Mr. Lindsey or would that be Mr. Ickes? Mr. LINDSEY. I believe Mr. Ickes. The CHAIRMAN. Mr. Ickes, why don't you proceed. TESTIMONY OF HAROLD ICKES, ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF, WASHINGTON, DC Mr. ICKES. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee, my name is Harold Ickes. I serve as Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff, I come before you today to inform you, and the American people, about my knowledge of the facts concerning contacts between the White House and Treasury Department officials related to Madison Guaranty Savings & Loan. I want to thank you for this opportunity to address some of the concerns that have been raised about these contacts. I firmly believe my conduct in this matter was legal, ethical and proper. Let me briefly highlight for you the events relating to my involvement in these matters. In doing so, I ask you to remember that my days, like yours, are long and busy; that there were many other matters that I was dealing with at the time; and that it is hard, months later, to separate what I knew at the time the events occurred from what I also learned from press accounts and public discussions of these matters. I joined the White House staff in January of this year. I am primarily responsible for managing the President's Health Care initiative, but for a period of time when I first came to the White House, I was responsible for pulling together a working group to coordinate the White House's response to press inquiries concerning what is generically known as "Whitewater." In late January and early February, as you will recall, Republican Members of Congress, including Members of this Committee, began making an issue about the expiration of the statute of limitations with respect to the Resolution Trust Corporation's inquiry into Madison. On January 11th, eight Republican lawmakers called upon the RTC to enter into tolling agreements with the Clintons and other interested parties, to "allow time for a complete and independent investigation and permit the orderly operation of the legal and judicial processes." On February 1, Senator D'Amato, on the Senate Floor, stated that the "clock was running" on the RTC's Madison inquiry, and urged the RTC, to immediately seek tolling agreements "to stop the 354 clock and assure that there is time for a thorough, impartial investigation of the facts." On that same date, Roger Altman wrote Senator DAmato to assure him that "the RTC is mindful of the impending February 28 statute of limitations with respect to Madi- son," and stated that the RTC would vigorously pursue appropriate remedies including tolling agreements. On this same day, Mr. Altman asked to meet with myself and others in the White House which we did on February 2nd. Thus, this meeting took place in the context of the highly publicized statements on the Senate Floor and elsewhere that I've just described. As I recall, for most of the meeting, Mr. Altman made a presentation about the procedural options generally available to the RTC in cases such as Madison, in view of the statute of limitations deadline the same options that were the subject of the statements on the Floor of the Senate. My impression from what Mr. Altman said was that the statute was likely to expire before a full investigation into the Madison matter could be completed and that this could result in a situation in which the RTC would have three options: One, the RTC could seek a tolling agreement; or 2, failing that, the RTC could file a protective claim to preserve its ability to fully complete its investigation; or finally, the RTC could allow any potential claims to lapse. In my deposition before the Senate Committee Counsel in July of this year I was asked to recount my recollections of the February 2nd meeting. I was twice denied the opportunity by Committee Counsel to review my notes of that meeting before responding to the questions. I stated that I could not recall the words that were spoken at the meeting, but that my impression of what Mr. Altman said-the gist of it-was that "the investigation probably would not be concluded and that a determination could not be made by the RTC's General Counsel as to whether there was a basis for a civil claim until after the expiration of the statute of limitations."
Washington Week Show - # 4444
Washington Week Show # 4444 - Selling Security (social security), Weapons Warning, Vantage Points and Viewpoints. Host Gwen Ifill, guests include Alexis Simendinger, David Sanger, Gloria Borger, Karen Tumulty. 20.00.12 Composite footage (unclean) with Washington Week title and text : President Bush walks up to podium at White House, social security checks being printed, President Bush says "I have a duty to put ideas on the table, I'm putting them on the table." Kim Jong il, capitol dome, split screen of House and Senate, religious conservative speaker says "There's a majority on the Supreme Court that is, and you'll have to pardon me, but this is the way I see it, their un-elected and un-accountable and arrogant." Democrats celebrating outside, Dennis Hastert, Committee on Standards of Official Conduct sign, Tom DeLay. 20.01.35 DO NOT USE - Commercial 20.02.05 President George W. Bush walking up to podium in the East Room of the White House for a Presidential news conference. Footage of President Bush and Saudi Prince in Texas. 20.02.37 President George W. Bush at press conference says "I propose a social security system in the future where benefits for low income workers will grow faster than benefits for people who are better off." 20.08.28 President George W. Bush says "Kim Jong il is a dangerous person, and as David accurately noted there is concern about his capacity to deliver a nuclear weapon. We don't know if he can or not, but I think it's best when you're dealing with a tyrant like Kim Jong il to assume he can." 20.13.35 Majority Leader (R - TN) Senator Bill Frist says "In the spirit of civility, and with sincere hope for a solution, I make an offer..." Minority Leader (D -NV) says "I would say for a lack of a better description it's a big wet kiss to the far right Mr. President, just is not appropriate e, the rules are the rules." Footage of conservative religious activist. 20.19.37 Dennis Hastert (R - IL) House Speaker says "That's all that's in the press today is the ethics stalemate, we need to move forward, we need to get this behind us..." 20.23.37 Split screen of Gwen Ifill and footage of Tom DeLay and President Bush. 20.25.17 DO NOT USE - commercial
LAWMAKERS
20.15.18-WERTHEIMER-discussion with DUKE of the debate. ROBERTS-intro report on CENSURE of two Congressmen, Rep. DANIEL CRANE (R-IL) and Rep. GERRY STUDDS (D-MA) for sexual misconduct with congressional pages. Both were required to appear in the Well of the House for public reading of their Censure. 20.16.18-M/S House rostrum and well, STUDDS standing in well while TIP O'NEILL reads CENSURE RESOLUTION. Wipe to similar shot with Rep. CRANE. ROBERTS v.o.-only 21 previous censures in House. C/S of a member of House ETHICS COMMITTEE presenting findings, ROBERTS v.o.-committee recommended milder response of reprimand. M/S Rep. STUDDS taking well of House to speak. ROBERTS v.o.-STUDDS spoke to defend his conduct and announced publicly that he is gay. C/S STUDDS speaking, says that voluntary and private relationships between adults that occurred 10 years ago should not be investigated by Congress. 20.17.18-Shot of Rep. CRANE with family in Illinois, giving press conference in front of his house while holding his young daughter. CRANE, tearful, admits he made a mistake, asks for forgiveness. C/S NEWT GINGRICH in office, says that CRANE has admitted his mistake but STUDDS has been arrogant and denied wrongdoing, so Studds should be punished and Crane should not be [It's only coincidental that Gingrich has an ideological affinity for Crane and opposition to Studds...}. ROBERTS v.o.-GINGRICH pressed the issue to try to make political points. M/S GINGRICH taking podium in well of house. C/S GINGRICH, says the conduct of both congressmen warrants expulsion. C/S former Rep. ROBERT BAUMAN, says GINGRICH definitely wants to make REPUBLICANS seem like the party of MORALS. ROBERTS v.o.-BAUMAN lost an election after being charged with soliciting a teenaged boy for sex. BAUMAN says that the publicity of the case will allow voters to decide the issue, Congress shouldn't take it upon itself to vote for EXPULSION. 20.19.36-C/S TIP O'NEILL in speaker's seat. C/S Rep. DAN CRANE giving apology in well, gets applause. C/S Rep. FLOYD SPENCE (R-SC), arguing that Congress has to protect it's reputation. C/S HENRY HYDE arguing that Congress can "hate the sin" but should back off of punishing the sinners. [whoa, what a difference 15 years can make, eh Henry?] C/S Rep. GEORGE O'BRIEN (R-IL) argues that he can't tell his constituents that there shouldn't be punishment. Rep. STEWART McKINNEY (R-CT), says he can't vote for expulsion because it would amount to Congress overriding the people's votes in each district. ROBERTS v.o.-no CENSURED member of Congress has won re-election in 50 years. C/S BAUMAN, says the voters are the proper decision-makers as to whether STUDDS of CRANE should remain in Congress. 20.21.55-Shots of a bundle of Massachusetts newspapers rolling into back of truck. ROBERTS v.o.-early on, STUDDS' constituents seem to be giving him some support. C/S a woman from district, says she's a REPUBLICAN but she supports STUDDS. A man says he's disappointed, but "not surprised". A man in his car says STUDDS is a smart guy in Congress and it would be bad to throw out anyone who ever did anything wrong. Shots of an ILLINOIS COUNTY FAIR. C/S a very fat man says that someone in prominent position "shouldn't be doin' things like that". Another man concurs. C/S BAUMAN, says it's a silly myth that the people's representatives should somehow be morally better than the people. BAUMAN says that there are no moral absolutes in the lives of Members of Congress, some slip, they're only human. 20.24.23-DUKE-intro commentary. Commentary by Charles McDowell, on the trend of "commissions" to study all tough issues-it shouldn't be surprising that REAGAN is trying to hedge a bit off his conservative rhetoric on LATIN AMERICA by appointing KISSINGER commission, after all, Congress has to vote on any recommendation that comes out of it. 20.26.12-DUKE-signs off Closing credits/transcript order information/WETA credit/sponsor credits/PBS ID 20.27.47--OUT
CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE - "Senator Sam Nunn"
Host Edwin Newman and Senior Editor Norman Ornstein sitting in the Mansfield Room in the Senate wing of Capitol Hill. Ornstein notes there are several leadership positions in the House of Representatives and these leaders are chosen or elected by their colleagues. However, there are other leaders who are not elected to formal positions. Newman takes a look at an influential "issue leader" U.S. Senator Sam Nunn, who is considered an expert on Defense.
LAWMAKERS
13.13.42-Shot of PROTESTERS carrying signs in front of CAPITOL opposing AID to EL SALVADOR. Shot of two men holding large blown up photos of TORTURE VICTIMS of the RIGHT-WING DICTATORSHIP of EL SALVADOR. Shot of HOUSE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE meeting, closeup of Rep. GERRY STUDDS [D-MA] on panel, says that REAGAN'S certification that the EL SALVADOR government was making progress in curbing HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS is a horrible rationalization that tells the EL SALVADOR government that it can violate rights with impunity as long as it fights COMMUNISM, if the U.S. encourages the EL SALVADOR government like this, it will escalate the CIVIL WAR and make it harder for the U.S. to end its involvement. Long round of applause from audience. 13.15.08-WERTHEIMER-Since LIBERALS are attacking REAGAN'S policies on LATIN AMERICA and the BUDGET, CONSERVATIVES are going to strike back by forcing debate on "SOCIAL ISSUES" like ABORTION, debate that was put off last year to preserve a coalition behind REAGANOMICS. COKIE ROBERTS-intro report on Sen. ORRIN HATCH, who has a dilemma between CONSERVATIVE principles and political expediency. Stills of HATCH with other Senators. HATCH v.o.-he came out of political obscurity. Shot of HATCH in office with TV crew preparing to film an interview. Shot of MIKE WALLACE interviewing HATCH. Shot of HATCH in a Committee meeting, HATCH rails against "immoral" SEX EDUCATION in schools. Shot of HATCH, Mrs. HATCH, and two children, seated at kitchen table, kids reciting prayers. ROBERTS v.o.-discusses HATCH'S strong MORMON background. Shots of HATCH family spending "quality time" together. Shot showing the lights and cameras in the kitchen, a director tells one HATCH kid how to look at her dad. 13.18.00-Shot of large group of ANTI-ABORTION MARCHERS carrying large banner in street in front of Capitol. Shot of one marcher's suit lapel, has "HATCH NOW" button. More shots of ANTI-ABORTION marchers. Shots of groups of ANTI-ABORTION marchers entering HATCH'S office to meet the Senator. ROBERTS v.o.-HATCH has alienated some ANTI-ABORTION activists by proposing a CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT that would leave ABORTION LAW decisions up to individual states, rather than proposing an amendment to OUTLAW ABORTION. Shot of an ANTI-ABORTION activist, says that HATCH couldn't have won his SENATE RACE without ANTI-ABORTION support. Shot of HATCH in office, says it's hard to be caught in the middle of big battles on SOCIAL ISSUES. 13.19.09--Shot of HATCH chairing a SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE hearing on VOTING RIGHTS. ROBERTS v.o.-HATCH wants SENATE to revise bill passed by HOUSE in a way that would weaken it. Shot of HATCH chewing out the spectators of the hearing for HECKLING the ATTORNEY GENERAL. Shot of HATCH in office, says he can't stand incivility in debate. HATCH responds to question from ROBERTS about being perceived as RACIST, says that people shouldn't be called racists unless it can be proven that they intended to be discriminatory. HATCH says that this intent is "not hard to prove", says many in CONGRESS pass all CIVIL RIGHTS bills because they're afraid of bad press. 13.21.27-Shot of witness in committee, Civil Rights lawyer JOSEPH RAUH, says that REAGAN'S appointments have actually embodied affirmative action, expresses good-nature surprise to hear HATCH agree with him. Shot of RAUH in a law library, says that HATCH is bright and challenging to debate, great except for his politics. Shot of HATCH in a committee hearing on SEX DISCRIMINATION. Shots of HATCH and panel of female witnesses. HATCH asks the witnesses if it is all right for him to refer to them by their first names. HATCH overheard asking a colleague if that is "bad". TED KENNEDY heard to ask HATCH "if that's a two-way street", witnesses all applaud. 13.22.57-Shot of TED KENNEDY on COMMITTEE panel, smoking a cigar. Shot of KENNEDY grilling a witness who is uncooperative. HATCH butts in to support the witness. Shot of HATCH in office, says that he and KENNEDY sometimes get irritated with each other, says "the real right-wing crazies" wonder why HATCH isn't beating on KENNEDY every day. Shot of HATCH loading up at a buffet with other REPUBLICAN SENATORS. Shot of HATCH in office, discussing mentorship of Sen. JAKE GARN (D-UT), teaching HATCH how to be more conciliatory to make his way in Senate. 13.25.24-ROBERTS-introduces commentary. Commentary by Charles McDOWELL, subject of election-year IMAGE MANAGEMENT, with Congressmen wearing Sweaters under their jackets to look reassuring and cuddly on TV. 13.27.18-DUKE-signs off Closing credits/transcript order info/WETA credit/sponsor credits/PBS ID 13.29.00-OUT
Senator Baker speaks to Reporters
Off-screen adult male reporter asks U.S. Senator Howard Baker (R-TN) if he anticipates any challenges to the people in line to be committee chairmen. Sen. Baker states, "No, I know I'm not." Off-screen adult female reporter asks whether this Senate will be "tightwad," to which Sen. Baker says, "No, I think that's not the way I would see it. I would fully expect this Senate to find few sacred cows among the existing federal programs, and to take a brand new look at almost every federal activity, and to propose the elimination of whole programs in some cases, but I would not expect it to be stingy in those matters that require humane concern and compassionate care for the people of this nation. I do expect to see very, very significant changes in the way some of those programs are designed and implemented." Adult female reporter asks about the future of the revenue-sharing program; Baker repeats question for those who did not hear, says, "I have indicated to Senator Byrd that I wished for an early consideration of the extension of the Revenue Sharing Act. I hope it will be brought up today. It certainly should be brought up this week, early enough to brought up through both houses of Congress, and on the President's desk. If revenue sharing is not passed in this session of Congress, I think it will have potentially devastating effects on local government throughout the country. So I think it is urgently important that we try to pass the re-authorization of revenue sharing before adjourn, signed and done." Off-screen adult female reporter asks what role Baker sees for House Republicans; Sen. Baker responds, "... I think their improved numbers will help significantly. I think a Republican majority in the Senate will help as well. I pledge now, as I have in the past, to both of those who are contending for the Republican leadership in the House, there will be a high level of regular cooperation between the House-level Republicans and the Senate Republican majority. I would think that, by and large, the House will be a very different House in the next Congress from the House that existed in the past two years, and you'll find a much more Republican-oriented point of view as a result of numbers and as a result of changes being made in the Senate." Adult Caucasian male and female reporters want to ask Sen. Baker more questions but he excuses himself, saying: "I have one minute before the Senate convenes, I don't want the chance that Byrd's going to take my desk away." Reporters mingle in area vacated by Baker and staff.
CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE
12.29.54-shots of House Judiciary Committee panel, C/U Chairman Rodino. Newman-the Judiciary Committee met in closed session to hear evidence and publicly to debate articles of Impeachment. Discusses the issues inherent in the impeachment. Clip of PBS broadcast of the IMPEACHMENT HEARINGS, anchor JIM LEHERER comments, July 24 will be a vote against NIXON. Shots of the media and members crammed into the committee room. Shot of RODINO gavelling, shot of the committee counsels and Nixon's counsel in the chamber. RODINO speaks about the historic nature of the proceedings and their impact on the course of the system of government. Rep. LARRY HOGAN (R-MD) speaks about the magnitude of the proceedings and the need to be careful and fair. Rep. WALTER FLOWERS (D-Ala.) says he can't believe that it's happening, but it is duty to proceed. V.O.-description of the Constitutional scholarship involved in the Committee's work. Rep. PAUL SARBANES (D-MD) discusses the need to apply the principles of the Constitution to this situation. 12.32.56-Rep. JOHN SEIBERLING (D-OH) says that the Constitution is vague as to what an Impeachable Offense is, but it is clear that it must be serious against the system of Government. Rep. CHARLES SANDMAN (R-NJ) defends NIXON, arguing that the Congress can't overrule the People's vote for President unless the offense is very serious, a dangerous precedent would be set for majority parties to impeach Presidents on a whim [see Ken Starr, Henry Hyde, etc.]. V.O.-Democrats on committee said that Nixon's crimes did violate the Constitution. Rep. DON EDWARDS (D-CA) describes Nixon's willful ordering of violations of the rights of his enemies through surveillance and wiretapping. Rep. BARBARA JORDAN (D-TX) says that NIXON has attempted to subvert the Constitution, lists the offenses against the processes of Constitutional Government committed by NIXON, says he is impeachable. 12.35.00-Rep. ED HUTCHINSON (R-MI) defends Nixon, says that the charges against Nixon aren't adequate for impeachment. Shot of Rep. RODINO, announcing that he will reluctantly vote to impeach NIXON because he has grossly violated his Constitutional obligations. Newman-discusses the lengthy debate leading up to approval of the first Article of Impeachment against Nixon, Obstruction of Justice. Discusses the need for bipartisan support for the articles to have any weight [ref. KEN STARR, HENRY HYDE, other Republicans in 1998]. Norman Ornstein discusses procedural issues-how specific Articles of Impeachment needed to be, Democrats favoring broad articles, Republicans insisting on specificity to make the case easier for Nixon to defend. 12.36.56-Rep. SANDMAN and Rep. SARBANES debate the issue of specificity, Sarbanes says that there is a pattern of conduct that is composed of multiple acts over a long period, not single isolated incidents. SANDMAN says that the articles have to name specific actions according to the law on charges. RODINO says that the debate was serious over specificity, but he believes that it was enough to allege a pattern of conduct rather than itemized acts. Rep. WIGGINS argues that NIXON has the right to have specific allegations in order to prepare his defense. WIGGINS recalls the process, says that impeachment is intrinsically partisan. V.O.-some uncommitted members were the focus of extreme pressure. Rep. TOM RAILSBACK (R-IL) says he's agonized over the decision, discusses his personal fondness for NIXON. Rep. WALTER FLOWERS says that his constituents will be mad that he's voting for impeachment, but he's got to do it. Rep. JACK BROOKS (D-TX) says that no one can argue that Nixon's conduct is the same as all other Presidents. Shot of RODINO voting first article, clerk recording vote, titles show the final tally, 27-11 in favor of impeaching NIXON over Watergate Coverup. 12.42.15
LAWMAKERS
WETA "LAWMAKERS" 3/10/1983 IN 15.01.02-WETA credit/sponsor credits/title sequence 15.01.55-PAUL DUKE-ANNE GORSUCH-BERFORD is no longer heading ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, but Congress continues to investigate the agency over alleged improprieties. The NUCLEAR FREEZE MOVEMENT experiences a revival, and both Houses of Congress support a JOBS BILL. WERTHEIMER-report on former Congresswoman MARGARET HECKLER nomination to Secretary of HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. DUKE-House passes provision to reform SOCIAL SECURITY, including RAISING RETIREMENT AGE beginning in year 2000. ROBERTS-CLAUDE PEPPER (D-FL) supported the bill, which made other legislators feel secure in supporting it. 15.03.07-M/S PEPPER shaking hands with people in small southern town, a man tells him that he can't live without his SOCIAL SECURITY benefit. Still of young PEPPER with FDR during NEW DEAL period. C/S Rep. LAWRENCE SMITH (D-FL) in debate, argues that SOCIAL SECURITY must be protected. C/S Rep. WILLIAM THOMAS (R-CA) arguing against the plan of PEPPER and favoring the alternate plan of Rep. J.J. PICKLE. C/S Rep. J.J. PICKLE (D-TX) in debate, C/S PEPPER, some joking around about the two men's edible surnames. C/S PICKLE arguing to raise the RETIREMENT AGE to prevent TAX HIKES to pay for SOCIAL SECURITY. C/S PEPPER debating, arguing for TAX INCREASES to pay for SOCIAL SECURITY, calls it a matter of protecting the dignity of the elderly, gets applause when finished. C/S TIP O'NEILL, lauding PEPPER'S speeches, applause for PEPPER. C/S O'NEILL debating, urging members to vote for SOCIAL SECURITY REFORMS whether or not the PEPPER amendment passes, which it didn't. 15.07.54-ROBERTS-discussion of the progress of SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM through the SENATE. DUKE intro report on progress of JOBS BILL for UNEMPLOYMENT relief. 15.09.21-Rep. FRED BOUCHER (D-VA) arguing for a JOBS BILL to fund employment. C/S ROBERT MICHEL in debate, says the bill passed through committee is mediocre. C/S Rep. JOHN CONYERS (D-MI) in debate, says the bill is inadequate to address the problem that there are about 16 MILLION UNEMPLOYED. C/S of different congressmen listing their beefs against the JOBS BILL: Rural areas ignored, program just mimics old New Deal programs, will benefit areas where there is low unemployment anyway. C/S Rep. DELBERT LATTA (R-OH) calls the committee bill a big hunk of PORK that benefits a few committee members on appropriations committee. C/S Rep. ROBERT WALKER (R-PA) rails that the bill is all pork. Rep. MARK SILJANDER (R-MI) argues that the bill isn't helping areas with the worst UNEMPLOYMENT. Rep. SILVIO CONTE (R-MA) says the funding is for "tree planting" not real jobs.
CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE
WETA "CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE" IN 12.52.26-WETA credit/funding credits/title sequence 12.53.11-Rep. JIM WRIGHT (D-TX) debating a Budget in the House, says that all parties have to compromise a little. Other Congressmen in debate. Rep. BOB DORNAN (R-CA) says that the budget must be balanced [of course "B-1 Bob" didn't like to say no to any defense spending...]. V.O.-the budget always sparks heated debate. 12.54.10-Host Ed Newman discusses the Budget process. The Budget is the most important political agenda of Congress each year, starting with the President's State of the Union message. 12.55.02-Shots of Reagan giving State of the Union Address, entering House chamber, announces that he will recommend a Spending freeze in his budget proposal. Shot of Rep. BARNEY FRANK (D-MA) in debate, says that Congress must choose between helping the elderly and buying unnecessary military equipment. V.O.-in the 1920's the power of the President over the budget increased, leading to the current annual tug-of-war. Shots of Congressmen in debate. Clip of FDR giving State of the Union address "rendezvous with destiny". Clips of FDR during New Deal era. Clip of TRUMAN and EISENHOWER, LBJ, NIXON. V.O.-as presidents got more powerful over the budget, Congress rebelled in 1974 to create more formal channels in Congress for the Budget process, but power shifted back to White House in 1981. 12.57.26-Shot of REAGAN giving State of the Union Address, calling for dramatically reduced Government spending. Shot of DAVID STOCKMAN giving press conference, says that he expects Congress to resist the changes of REAGANOMICS all down the line. Sen. W. HUDDLESTON (D-KY) in committee meeting interrogating Treasury Secretary DON REGAN, about the extent of the budget cuts. REGAN says that REAGAN is ready to take the heat. Shots of Actress JANE RUSSELL testifying to a Senate Committee hearing, says that the budget cuts for EDUCATION and SOCIAL PROGRAMS are disastrous. 12.59.40-Rep. DAN MICA (D-FL) discussing the Reagan sales pitch to get him to vote for the REAGANOMICS budget. Basically, he says that he decided to go along because Reagan's such a swell guy. Shot of Rep. PHIL GRAMM, ROBERT MICHEL in debate over the budget. TIP O'NEILL in well of House, criticizing the Republicans for putting all of the budget cuts into one package to curtail debate, says Congress shouldn't just rubber-stamp the President's proposals. Rep. JIM WRIGHT in debate says that Reagan is trying to "herd" the Congress around like Cattle. Shots of Congressmen in halls of Congress. O'NEILL in debate accuses the REAGANOMICS advocates of recklessly cutting spending and taxes to look good for the elections. Shot of REAGAN shaking hands with Congressional allies. 13.01.44 O'NEILL in office, making ceremonial congratulatory phone call to REAGAN after the REAGANOMICS budget passed in 1981."No hard feelings old pal. It's a great two party system we have. We gave our best, and you outdid us. As a matter of fact you stunned us. I never figured you could beat us that badly." 13.02.00
LAWMAKERS
WETA "THE LAWMAKERS"
LAWMAKERS
Title sequence - "The Lawmakers".
LAWMAKERS
DUKE in studio. After end of CONGRESS recess, CONGRESSMEN finding that the REAGANOMICS package was not working, causing political panic for legislators that endorsed the plan. SENATE held CONFIRMATION HEARINGS for SANDRA DAY O'CONNOR. WERTHEIMER introduces report on O'CONNOR, describes her demeanor as calm, cool, circumspect. Guest analysis by former SUPREME COURT justice Abe FORTAS. Color video still of JUSTICE FORTAS in office. FORTAS discusses the CONFIRMATION process as a grueling one, but necessary and good, one never knows what kinds of questions will come up, what political agenda will be advanced.
LAWMAKERS
Shot of O'CONNOR seated in hearing, Shot of Sen. MAX BAUCUS (D-MT), asks what the most important issue facing the court in years to come will be. O'CONNOR says it would be impossible to name any one issue, COURT hears all of them. Shot of a Senator asking for O'CONNOR'S view on ABORTION. Shot of O'CONNOR replying, somewhat nervously, that the resolution of issues before the court are matters of law, not of her beliefs. Shot of Sen. JOHN EAST (R-NC), also asks opinions on ABORTION. O'CONNOR responds, declines to advocate a particular policy on ABORTION. EAST continues to pound the abortion issue. O'CONNOR states that it is not appropriate for her to comment on ROE V. WADE since the case may be back before the court.
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Shot of WERTHEIMER interviewing Justice FORTAS, asks about O'CONNOR being the first woman on the court. FORTAS says it won't make any difference by virtue of the function of the court. Shot of O'CONNOR, claiming to be pleased to represent millions of other women, indebted to the talents of her predecessors in the field of law. Responds in good humor to a "what do you want on your tombstone" question from a Senator, "here lies a good judge".
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Shot of STROM THURMOND (Whig, SC), asking if O'CONNOR most wants to be remembered as a justice that "upheld the Constitution". O'CONNOR agrees that would be an apt epitaph.