LAWMAKERS
LAWMAKERS
08.49.34-WETA credit/sponsor credits/title sequence 08.50.25-PAUL DUKE in studio. On program-new fiscal year, start of REAGAN budget cuts. Continued debate over sale of MILITARY RADAR system to SAUDI ARABIA, Effort to curb SPECIAL INTEREST groups operating in CONGRESS. REPUBLICANS taking to wearing buttons announcing a "new era" of economic progress. 08.51.05-LINDA WERTHEIMER intro report on CONGRESS working to finish APPROPRIATION BILL, race to secure temporary funding to prevent GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN. 08.51.42-Shot of Rep. SYLVIO CONTE (R-MA) arguing in well of HOUSE for CONGRESS to get off the stick and pass the temporary funding. Shot of Rep. JAMIE WHITTEN (D-Miss.). Shot of TIP O'NEILL racing through procedural matters and a voice vote. WERTHEIMER v.o.-CONGRESS treated itself to a provision allowing CONGRESSMEN to deduct WASHINGTON living expenses from taxes. Shot of CONTE arguing that the deduction is fair, compares to the expense deductions given to the PRESS when they travel. Shot of packed JOINT COMMITTEE MEETING. WERTHEIMER v.o.-SENATORS granted themselves exemptions to the $25,000 limit on outside income. Shot of Rep. DAVID OBEY (D-WI), argues that the SENATE shouldn't criticize the HOUSE after that exemption. Shot of CONGRESSMEN in debate. Shot of REAGAN'S BUDGET DIRECTOR DAVID STOCKMAN, testifying to HOUSE COMMITTEE. STOCKMAN argues that REAGANOMICS is leading to balanced budget, CONGRESS must uphold the progress. Shot of Rep. JAMES JONES (D-OK), questioning STOCKMAN. STOCKMAN argues that REAGAN doesn't really want to cut AFDC, LUNCH SUBSIDIES, or STUDENT LOANS, just streamline the programs. Shots of REPUBLICAN congressmen in committee, include JACK KEMP and DELBERT LATTA. LATTA condemns the poor for demanding too much food stamps and subsidized housing. Rep. JONES says CONGRESS doesn't intend to continue with high deficits, LATTA demands votes and action to cut spending. JONES replies, "well, you lost the vote". 08.57.44-DUKE/WERTHEIMER in studio; discussion of the budgetary debates-circus in which CONGRESSMEN were able to pass perks for themselves without any recorded votes. DUKE asks why CONGRESSMEN don't vote publicly and openly for their pay raises, conclusion that it's bad politics. A