Show host Paul Duke with correspondents Cokie Roberts and Linda Wertheimer of National Public Radio. Paul Duke introduces the topic of U.S. President Ronald Reagan’s relationship with Congress in light of recent controversy over Reaganomics and Budget Director David Stockman. Wertheimer shares her opinion on how the controversy will affect the political climate, summarizes the political outcry over Stockman’s comments regarding Reagan’s economic package.
Show host Paul Duke brings up the question of Budget Director David Stockman’s credibility. Cokie Roberts of National Public Radio discusses the overall credibility of President Ronald Reagan’s economic package. Discussion of the current state of the economy and rising budget deficits. Roberts points out that President Reagan needs Budget Director Stockman to figure out the economic crisis. Linda Wertheimer of NPR discusses the recent meeting between Vice President George H.W. Bush and Congressional Republicans. Discussion of how Stockman’s days at the White House are numbered and how he will be a target for Democrats.
Show host Paul Duke introduces the topic of budget cuts for U.S. military veteran programs. Linda Wertheimer of National Public Radio discusses the high number of veterans now employed by the federal government and how Veterans may now lose their jobs due to federal budget cut backs.
Veteran’s Day memorial ceremony: military bugler wearing dress uniform, playing taps; mixed race and gender middle-aged or elderly adult veterans taking part in memorial ceremony; veterans carrying U.S. flag; zoom into Capitol Dome in distance. VO discusses hiring and firing preference given to veterans employed with the federal government.
Congressional hearing room. U.S. Representative Robert Edgar (D-PA) leading a meeting of the House Veterans Affairs Sub-committee for Employment. Wounded Caucasian adult male veteran seated in wheelchair, flipping through papers. Director of Personnel Management Dr. Donald Devine speaking before Congress about the protections given to veterans in the federal workforce. James Dourie of the American Legion speaking before Congress. Dourie voices the concerns of veterans over budget cuts and federal workforce reduction proposed by President Ronald Reagan.
Congressional hearing room. Congressman Robert Edgar (D-PA) leading a meeting for the House Veterans Affairs Sub-Committee for Employment. Congressman Edgar discusses the need to secure more funding for veterans’ programs. James Dourie of the American Legion speaking before Congress. Dourie discusses community-based Veterans programs that have closed down due to President Ronald Reagan’s spending cuts. Congressman Edgar speaking to reporter, off screen. Congressman Edgar believes that Veterans groups will gather together to defend their programs against budget cuts.
Show host Paul Duke with correspondents Linda Wertheimer of National Public Radio. Wertheimer discusses how well veterans groups have fared under President Reagan’s budget. Reagan did sign a one-billion-dollar bill for Vietnam veterans; disability and survivors’ pensions have increased; and the VA budget is up over the last ten years. Wertheimer says vets and their families are one of the largest groups in the U.S. and that politicians believe in repaying veterans for their service.