LAWMAKERS
LAWMAKERS
01.06.49-Shot of C-5 cargo plane on tarmac, plane is mammoth in size, its nose hinges upward to open cargo bay. DUKE v.o.-financially strapped LOCKHEED corp. of Georgia builds the C-5. Clip of BOEING promo film of flying 747. v.o.-alternative (cheaper) plan is to buy surplus 747's and convert to cargo uses. Exterior of Capitol. Shot of Sen. HENRY JACKSON (D-WA) in office, says NUNN is a fine Senator and individual, but he's trying to dish out PORK. Shot of SAM NUNN (D-GA), says that JACKSON is trying to dish out PORK himself. Shots of Senate Committee hearing with lots of PENTAGON BRASS at witness table. One General says the C-5 is absolutely necessary. Shot of JACKSON asking why the PENTAGON hasn't been upfront about the C-5's COST. Suggests he smells a rat. 01.09.08-Shot of GENERAL pointing to slide show, illustrating the C-5's superiority to the 747 for carrying tanks. NUNN reading testimonials about the greatness of the C-5, gets the generals to agree. DUKE alludes to a "whiff of pork". Shot of NUNN in library, says that it's not a matter of homestate PORK, to suggest that is disservice to both Senators. Shot of JACKSON in office, likewise denies that the debate is all about PORK, says he wants to save the taxpayers money. 01.10.58-WERTHEIMER-Eventually, Senate decided that JACKSON'S plan was better, elected to save by refitting 747's. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT and LOCKHEED trying to get HOUSE to vote for the C-5. Notes that LOCKHEED and BOEING took out huge newspaper ads for their respective planes. 01.11.37-Rep. TOM DOWNEY (D-NY) in debate in House, holds newspaper with full-page ad for LOCKHEED C-5. Says he's offended that LOCKHEED put all pictures in the ad, implying that Congressmen can't read, says eventually maybe LOCKHEED will lobby in Comic Book form. WERTHEIMER v.o.-each contractor had its advocates, cites some arguments on each side. Shot of AL SWIFT (D-WA), calls the C-5 a turkey. Says the wings fall off, compares it to a flying Dumbo. WERTHEIMER v.o.-notes that most ardent advocates come from the states where planes are built. Shot of NEWT GINGRICH in debate [Lockheed is in his homeTOWN], says the 747 is a joke as a military transport. Rep. BO GINN says BOEING is a great company, but the 747 is the wrong choice. 01.13.26-Rep. JOEL PRITCHARD (D-WA) says the 747 is the best choice when cost is considered. Rep. NORM DICKS (D-WA) says the C-5 is a piece of junk, "the most discredited plane in history", and will cost taxpayers $7-8 Billion more. Shot of LES ASPIN (D-WI) in debate, says that the PENTAGON must be right, it should get anything it wants [basically, paraphrased]. 01.14.45-DUKE/WERTHEIMER-discussion of the debate, possibility of investigation of LOCKHEED for its salesmanship-fine line in PENTAGON'S tactics between informing the Congress (duty) versus lobbying on behalf of a contractor (illegal). Discussion of TAX BILL, which is scrambling party lines. DUKE-reports that Congress has rescinded TAX DEDUCTIONS for members of Congress for living expenses in Washington. The House angry at Senate because Senators can make unlimited outside income from speeches but denied that right to the House, also basic issue: Do members of Congress get paid enough ($61,000)? 01.16.17-Exterior of a suburban Washington townhouse, shots of swanky houses in GEORGETOWN. Shot of Rep. DAN GLICKMAN (D-KS) in office, says that Congressmen get a good salary in absolute terms, but given living expenses in Washington and work expenses, it doesn't leave much extra. Shots of GLICKMAN and his wife at checkout of supermarket. Mrs. GLICKMAN v.o. concedes that the figure of $61G is a lot of Benjamins, but with travel back to home district and other expenses, it gets tight. GLICKMAN in office, says PUBLIC SERVANTS shouldn't be out to get rich, but they need to be paid better because many congressmen quit to make three times as much money as lobbyists. Shot of title page of a Federal Commission report on Congressional pay. Titles show quotes "massive exodus of top government leaders". 01.18.10-Shot of Sen. WILLIAM PROXMIRE (D-WI) seated in library, says that $61G is a lot of Benjamins, more than 95 percent of people make, given the other advantages of office, pay is more than adequate. Shot of rostrum of House chamber, Congressmen in debate, lots of parliamentary maneuvering to get a TAX BREAK for Congress approved without either reading the bill for the TV cameras or taking a recorded vote. Shot of Rep. MILLICENT FENWICK (R-NJ) arguing that the sneaky maneuver was uncouth, dishonorable. DUKE v.o.-Congress cut itself other breaks. Graphic shows tax deductions of $75/day for business expenses. Shot of Anne McBride of COMMON CAUSE, says that the law lets Congress claim ordinary living expenses as "business expenses"-laundry, cleaning, transportation-no other taxpayers can do this.