LAWMAKERS, May 24, 1984
LAWMAKERS - LM 146 - "Credit Card Charges"
NPR journalist Linda Wertheimer reports on Congressional measures to limit credit card costs to consumers. Montage of customers using credit cards, cashiers running carbons of cards, and customers signing receipts; done to soundtrack of show-tune "Money Makes the World Go 'Round." Wertheimer (VO) discusses credit card use and the expiration of the ban on passing extra costs from merchants to consumers. U.S. Senator William Proxmire (D-WI) seated at desk, says customers should pay extra to use credit cards because poorer cash customers now have to pay higher prices to absorb credit card costs to merchants. U.S. Sen. Al D'Amato (R-NY) disagrees, saying middle income families depend on credit to meet expenses and shouldn't be penalized. Caucasian adult man in Navy uniform filling his car at a gas station. Panel on gas pump showing credit price of a gallon of gas. Navy man and Caucasian adult male gas station attendant exchange cash. Benetton logo, customers entering store. Customers walking around an indoor mall. A Caucasian adult male jewelry store owner says surcharges for credit card purchases wouldn't lower prices. Caucasian female adult clothing store manager says surcharges wouldn't lower prices but would hurt business. Another Caucasian female adult clothing representative says surcharges would make consumers hesitant to buy with credit. A Caucasian adult woman making a purchase with her credit card. Adult male and female Caucasian consumers all agree the proposed 5% credit card surcharge is too high. Adult African American woman makes a purchase with credit card, given a receipt along with purchased items in bag. Wertheimer (VO) notes the biggest opponent of the proposal are credit card companies. MasterCard and Visa logos. American Express card being charged. Caucasian adult women opening mail in Congressional office. Consumer advocate Carol T. Foreman being interviewed; she believes that consumer groups can help reverse the vote.
LAWMAKERS - LM 146 - "Credit Card Charges"
U.S. Senator William Proxmire (D-WI) says credit card companies are strong lobbyists and most consumers are confused about their true interests. Letter from constituent on the credit card issue. Proxmire reiterates the belief that free credit hurts most consumers.
LAWMAKERS - LM 146 - "Credit Card Charges"
NPR reporter Linda Wertheimer says the American Express lobbying campaign to continue the credit card surcharge ban is working so well that Senators are considering a second vote on the matter.
LAWMAKERS - LM 146 - "News Briefs"
Reporter Paul Duke with news briefs starting with the House Investigating Committee releasing a report on the 1980 Reagan Campaign receiving secret materials from the Carter Administration. House Representative Don Albosta (D-MI) says a federal crime has been committed. Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill (D-MA) talks to reporters on the street next to the Capitol Building, says the investigation should continue and conclude before the next Presidential election. House Representative Minority Leader Robert Michel (R-IL) speaking at a press conference, calls the investigation sloppy and partisan. Duke says two Republicans on the committee believe the Democrats were wrong in singling out CIA chief Bill Casey as the chief villain, as there was no solid evidence. In unrelated news, both branches of government have gone on record in favor of giving medical payments to Vietnam veterans suffering from illnesses traced back to the battlefield defoliant, Agent Orange.
LAWMAKERS - LM 146 - "Newt Gingrich"
Paul Duke reports on the House of Representatives controversy where House Speaker Tip O'Neill attacked tactic by Rep. Newt Gingrich (R-GA) of making after-hours speeches on House TV for political use. Rep. Gingrich is described as the leader of young conservative Republicans who want the GOP to be tougher in attacking Democrats. Rep. Gingrich seated in office, claims to represent a "different generation" and a new approach. Duke asks Gingrich about the group's reputation among Republicans as the"young crazies." Gingrich says it's vital the old establishment be challenged. Duke asks if Rep. Bob Michal (R-IL) is too “buddy-buddy” with the Democrats and O'Neill. Gingrich believes that era has passed and O’Neill, along with Rep. Jim Wright, helped kill the collegiality that once characterized the House with partisan attacks against U.S. President Ronald Reagan. Gingrich continues to attack O’Neill, characterizing him as mean and the most partisan Speaker in modern times. Duke challenges Rep. Gingrich’s (R-GA) own statements attacking Democrats as being soft on Communism.
LAWMAKERS - LM 146 - "Newt Gingrich"
House Representative Newt Gingrich (R-GA) says the radical wing of the Democratic Party are blind to the dangers of Communism. Reporter Paul Duke replies that the Democrats say Rep. Gingrich is "blind to Fascism, especially in Central America." Gingrich says it's nonsense and there is no fascism in Central America, although some right wing governments are corrupt. He answers charges from other House members of being "intolerant" and “too ideological” by claiming that he is "tough-minded" and provides more examples of proving others wrong about the dangers of communism. Duke asks if Gingrich is leading the fight for the "soul of the Republican Party." Gingrich replies it is a fight for the "survival of Western Civilization," and Congress’ inability to see the true nature of the Soviet Union is as deep a flaw as the problem Winston Churchill faced in the 1930s with Nazi Germany. The Soviet Union is a grave danger to America that "threatens the death of civilization as we know it and people ought to be scared."