LAWMAKERS
LAWMAKERS
09.06.37-ROBERTS intro report on CONGRESSIONAL ethics actions with regard to FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS with regard to established CAUCUSES in CONGRESS-laws only apply to individual members. 09.07.17-Shot of Rep. CHARLES WILSON (D-TX), says that it's politically important for a Congressman to be involved with caucuses that serve their constituents. Shots of a CONGRESSIONAL CAUCUS meeting. ROBERTS v.o.-almost every major industry in U.S. has a CAUCUS in congress, ID's this caucus as the DEMOCRATIC STUDY GROUP, a formal group of LIBERAL DEMOCRATS. Shot of Rep. Speaking to caucus. Shot of group of BLACK CONGRESSMEN standing on CAPITOL STEPS, singing "we shall overcome". Shot of CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS meeting. Shots of a luncheon meeting of the ARTS CAUCUS-v.o.-dedicated to preserving NEA funding. 09.08.48-Shot of Rep. BOB EDGAR (D-PA), says that CAUCUSES give a focus to the ISSUES. Shots of congressmen in a Caucus meeting of Northeast/Midwest Coalition. Shot of Rep. CHARLES WILSON in office, says that the regional caucuses are excessively provincial, states that 20 Texans died in a heatwave and the Northeast/Midwest members didn't care, but "two Yankees froze to death and they went nuts". ROBERTS v.o.-WILSON felt he had to form a Caucus to compete, the CONGRESSIONAL SUNBELT COUNCIL, growth of CAUCUSES. 09.10.19-Shot of meeting of BETTER GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION, investigating various CAUCUSES. BGA leader, says that CAUCUSES can receive funds in ways that individual Congressmen can't, even taking money from foreign governments. Shot of BGA worker on phone, calling to confirm an interview with a Congressman. ROBERTS v.o.-CAUCUSES seen by some as a backdoor to influence-peddling, i.e. tourism industry gave hundreds of thousands to members of a caucus. 09.11.40-Shot of Rep. BOB EDGAR, says that CAUCUSES are not regulated enough. Shots of meeting of HOUSE ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE. Shot of Rep. PATRICIA SCHROEDER standing outside CAPITOL, says that regulating CAUCUSES is overdue, legitimate caucuses suffer along with the influence-peddlers. Shot of BGA leader, says they don't want to abolish Caucuses, but to make sure they don't abuse their powers, prevent formation of CAUCUSES to serve outside LOBBYING INTERESTS. 09.13.00-DUKE/ROBERTS in studio; discussion of CAUCUSES, CONGRESS is "studying" issue, DUKE intro commentary by CHARLES McDOWELL. 09.14.06-McDOWELL, commentary on the sale of MILITARY RADAR PLANES to SAUDI ARABIA. Says that AWACS is a sophisticated military radar, making it perfect for a "kingdom out of the middle ages" like SAUDI ARABIA. Comments on the nature of the debate, with totally contradictory positions taken at different times by proponents of the sale. 09.16.04-DUKE-signs off. Closing credits/transcript order information/WETA credit/Sponsor credits/PBS ID. N 09.18.28-OUT