LAWMAKERS
1982 - LAWMAKERS - Opening
Cokie Roberts previews the fight against U.S. President Ronald Reagan's budget proposals has gone from "rebellion to full scale revolution, especially in the Senate Finance Committee". Linda Wertheimer previews what it's like to testify in front of a Congressional Committee. Paul Duke previews a "political pillow fight" in Chicago between two Congressmen who are close friends, forced to run against each other. Lawmakers title animation.
1982 - LAWMAKERS - Senate Budget Fight
Paul Duke begins the show by stating that Congressional Leaders consider the President's budget proposal all but dead, and will work with Democrats to create a bipartisan proposal. The White House is willing to consider changes, but real compromise may be difficult. Cokie Roberts notes that one of the President's budget proposals comes in an election year where cutting popular programs is least popular. Half of the Senate Finance Committee is up for election, creating problems for Committee Chairman Robert Dole (R-KS). Senator Dole states he has only nine members who are not up for re-election or retiring; Roberts (o/s) says this means Republicans are less inclined to stands behind the President's budget proposals, more inclined to work with Democrats like Sen. Lloyd Bentsen (D-TX). Sen. Bentsen lays out that the public tends to support those not in control of power when the economy falters.
1982 - LAWMAKERS - Senate Budget Fight
Senate Finance Committee Hearing, chaired by Senator Robert Dole (R-KS); Cokie Roberts (o/s) stating that Sen. Lloyd Bentsen (D-TX) will use the hearing to make some political points. Treasury Secretary Donald Regan sitting at witness table; adult Caucasian males sitting/standing in BG. Sen. Bentsen states that while his state is doing well, there is a great deal of economic apprehension within the state and its people, focused on interest rates. VS of Senators speaking to Sec. Regan; Roberts (o/s) notes that campaigning Senators made it a point to convey their concerns to Regan, even those Senators who were in no danger of losing their election. Sen. John Heinz (R-PA) notes that people have conveyed alarm about high interest rates, depression about high unemployment, and concern that the government doesn't have its act together when it comes to collecting revenue.
1982 - LAWMAKERS - Senate Budget Fight
VS of U.S. Senators Robert Dole (R-KS) laughing, Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Steven Symms (R-ID) listening, and Sen. William Roth (R-DE) speaking during Senate Finance Committee Hearing; Roberts notes that Republicans were once basking in the glow of the U.S. President Ronald Reagan, taking the Senate after his election, but now the most ardent supporters are trying to find someone to pin the blame on the state of the economy. Sen. Roth makes compares economy woes and tax cuts to a hitchhiker getting a ride, then wanting to steal the car; Roberts (o/s) points out Sen. Roth's re-election fears in a tight race, but also notes that Republicans in general have a fear they could lose the Senate and chairmanships. Sens. Grassley and Dole talking. Sen. Russell Long (D-LA) listening. Sen. Dole makes a joke about retirement pictures, that his may be hanging soon if the economic picture doesn't change.
1982 - LAWMAKERS - Senate Budget Fight
U.S. Senator Russell Long (D-LA) speaking at Senate Finance Committee Hearing. Sen. Bill Bradley (D-NJ) speaking to Treasury Secretary Donald Regan, noting the economic projections by his office, and how far off the mark they are with regards to unemployment, growth, interest rates; Cokie Roberts (o/s) notes that his speech "carried the familiar cadences of a stump speech". Sens. Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D-NY) and George Mitchell (D-ME) speaking; Roberts (o/s) notes that the economy has to begin turning for Republicans soon, otherwise Democrats will be able to capture the sour economic mood to propel campaign success. Adult, predominantly Caucasian, males and females seating Senate hearing room. Sen. Mitchell says the symbol of the "unfairness" is when U.S. President Ronald Reagan says taxes needed to be cut to oil companies, which created a deficit, then comes back to ask for a Medicare cut to cover the deficit.
1982 - LAWMAKERS - Senate Budget Fight
U.S. Senator George Mitchell speaking at Senate Finance Committee Hearing. POV from camera eyepiece, zoom out to wider committee hearing with U.S. Senators and adult Caucasian, predominantly male, staffers; Cokie Roberts (o/s) notes that Democratic chances in Senate races are looking much better, though Chairman of the Finance Committee Robert Dole (R-KS) isn't ready to go that far yet. Sen. Dole believes there is still time for the economy to turn around and for Republicans to win their election races, but if the economy doesn't turn around in the next ten to twelve weeks, then heads will turn to U.S. President Ronald Reagan to make a "bold move" to avoid an election disaster.
1982 - LAWMAKERS - Budget Fight
Paul Duke sitting with Cokie Roberts adds that new budget calculations indicate that the administration's budget projection may be far off. Roberts adds that deficits will keep climbing due to the tax cut which likely means there will be tax changes coming. She also talks about the flurry of budget proposals, and that none seem to go anywhere except for the "Domenici Budget". Duke is surprised that U.S. President Ronald Reagan continues to "dig in his heels", and that some Republicans see the President as the problem. Roberts notices the turnaround from popular savior, but even U.S. Senator Robert Dole (R-KS) notes that others beside the President have a stake in the budget. She notes the Catholic bishops have called the budget proposals "morally unjustifiable" and further cuts "intolerable". The White House can't withstand that kind of pressure.
1982 - LAWMAKERS - Illinois Primary
Paul Duke talks about the election year and how some candidates have more to worry about than the budget. The census results mean that Illinois will lose two House seats, forcing two Republican incumbents to face each other in the primary. The two men also happen to be good friends. U.S. House Representative Edward Derwinski (R-IL) joking that he and George have created problem for the media, keeping things civil, turning the race into a "sorority pillow fight". Rep. George O'Brien (R-IL) walking through crowd of adult Caucasian men and women to get to podium; Duke (o/s) say both men are unhappy about running against one another. Rep. O'Brien speaking kindly about Ed. Understands that there's nothing they can do about it because both still want to serve, so they're running as though they are unopposed. Reps. Derwinski and O'Brien standing together with their respective wives for photograph; Duke (o/s) notes how both men are trying to avoid straining their friendship, keeping routines.
1982 - LAWMAKERS - Illinois Primary
U.S. House Representative Edward Derwinski (R-IL) giving a speech, touting his experience and relationships on Capitol Hill as assets that can help his constituents at home. Rep. Edward O'Brien (R-IL) notes his position on Appropriation Committee, which as a critical role in the formation of the budget and can attract the attention of agencies that need money; adult Caucasian male and female listening. Rep. Derwinski talks about his role on the Foreign Affairs Committee. Rep. O'Brien talk about the importance serving the district, noting it's easy to get swept up in Washington, D.C., making it hard to come home.
1982 - LAWMAKERS - Illinois Primary
"O'Brien" billboard for the re-election of U.S. House Representative George O'Brien (R-IL). USS Joliet Works sign; zoom out to building and train track in FG. Pickup truck driving slowly in front of boarded up storefront; zoom out to downtown Joliet. "Sale or Lease 50 Acres Zoned Industrial Will Build to Suit" sign. Store Closing sign; zoom out to Woolworth store. Public bench advertising for the re-election of Rep. Edward Derwinski (R-IL) Paul Duke (o/s) notes the new 4th district is mostly O'Brien territory, including Joliet. Despite the recession, neither candidate has to defend Reaganomics in the primary. What they both campaign against is the way Democrats drew up the 4th Congressional District. Rep. Thomas Corcoran (R-IL) joins Reps. Derwinski and O'Brien at a table to lament the way Democrats have drawn up Congressional Districts, cutting towns in half, not providing fair representation.
1982 - LAWMAKERS - Illinois Primary
Adult Caucasian man interviews Robert Critton, Chairman of the Kane County Republican Committee; Paul Duke (o/s) adds that the redistricting has also made the local party officials uncomfortable with both candidates tugging for their support. Critton does his best to compliment both candidates. U.S. House Representative Edward Derwinski (R-IL) speaks at Park Forest Rotary Club. Rep. George O'Brien (R-IL) speaking at campaign event; menorah in BG, adult Caucasian men and women seated in FG. Duke (o/s) says both candidates are abiding by U.S. President Ronald Reagan's 11th Commandment: "Do not speak ill of another Republican". Rep. O'Brien speaking on the difficulty of campaign against someone you like, so he focuses on his positive qualities. Rep. Derwinski voices the same sentiments. Reps. Derwinski and O'Brien shaking hands; Duke notes that the loser will likely receive a federal appointment from the White House.
1982 - LAWMAKERS - Age Discrimination
Linda Wertheimer inside an empty committee hearing room to introduce a report on committee hearing testimony; adult Caucasian males and female standing in BG. Not all witness are government officials, some witnesses are ordinary citizens, and one witness came to Capitol Hill to testify about age discrimination. Street in Hagerstown, MD. Mack water tower of Mack truck plant; zoom out and pan left to Mack Truck sign in front of the factory where Wertheimer (o/s) states that the company laid off about 1,000 workers in 1981. Sign for Mack Trucks entrance, pan left to security station and truck with a wreath attached to grill driving toward camera; Wertheimer (o/s) reports that some employees think there were ulterior motives for the lay offs.
1982 - LAWMAKERS - Age Discrimination
Leroy Cupernale says that he was called in to the boss' office and laid off because of age after a long career and replaced by a younger man, 29, who hadn't even worked in his department. Framed certificate, ornate container, and framed photograph of Leroy with another adult Caucasian male sitting below a "Mack" dog statue, laughing; Linda Wertheimer (o/s) provides brief background of LeRoy's work history at Mack and says he stick thinks highly of them. Leroy knows it costs more to keep him than a younger man, so he was a strain on their overhead. It didn't bother them, evidently, to ruin an older person's life. Difficult for someone like him, at 58, to find a job. Walt Steiner, 53, discusses similar layoff circumstances. He asked his boss how the company would benefit by his absence, but was refused an answer. Both men at a kitchen table, discussing the embarrassment of unemployment, collecting unemployment; Wertheimer (o/s) says the the two men compared notes, took legal action.
1982 - LAWMAKERS - Age Discrimination
Highlighted portion of newspaper clipping talking about Paul Donnelly, who specializes in age discrimination complaints. Donnelly, discussing age discrimination cases, says that any workers of a certain age are at risk to be laid off; Linda Wertheimer (o/s) adds that Donnelly looks for ways to bring age discrimination to the nation's attention. Leroy Cupernale on witness panel for House Select Committee on Aging with middle-aged adult Caucasian female and male; men and women in BG. Oldest member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Claude Pepper (D-FL), chairing the hearing, says age discrimination is often hard to detect, but complaints are increasing; two adult Caucasian male aides in BG. Middle-aged adult Caucasian males seated at hearing. Leroy testifying to the trauma of being laid off and the hardships he and his wife have endured; Wertheimer (o/s) states Mack truck was invited, but declined to testify. Leroy says he thinks this might help others in the same situation as him.
1982 - LAWMAKERS - Shirley Chisholm Retirement
Paul Duke segues to U.S. House Representative Shirley Chisholm and her upcoming retirement. Rep. Chisholm walks up to podium, receiving applause, greeting everyone at Congress.
1982 - LAWMAKERS - Shirley Chisholm Interview
U.S House Representative Shirley Chisholm, speaking to Paul Duke at her office, reflecting on 23 year career in politics, and the need to have a private life, spend more time with family. Duke states that if she stayed in office, she could become the head of the powerful House Rules Committee, to which she replies that would require "sitting back and waiting patiently" for many more years, she won't do it; wait for power to come to her. Duke asks whether to many burdens or responsibilities are placed on members of Congress today. Rep. Chisholm thinks there's no question about it. The public expects a lot from members of Congress, but it's part of the job. Duke asks whether she gets more complaints from her constituents about the economy. Rep. Chisholm says that is the main concern and that nine out of ten times she's asked if she can find someone a job. Duke asks Rep. Chisholm how she wants to be remembered. She wants to be remembered as someone who really tried hard, helped people.
1982 - LAWMAKERS - Opinion Piece
Paul Duke introduces commentary by Otis Pike. Pike talks about the subject of legislative process, addressing some of the more absurd aspects of passing laws. Duke, sitting next to Cokie Roberts, notes that the room they are sitting in is where U.S. President John Quincy Adams died. The only President who served in the House of Representatives after being President, which is appropriate considering he was elected by the House of Representatives after no candidate achieved the required number of electoral votes.
1982 - LAWMAKERS - John Quincy Adams Statue
Pan up view of John Quincy Adams memorial statue in Capitol Building.