LAWMAKERS
LAWMAKERS
20.15.28-DUKE-publicity has led the Senate to seek a compromise, wherein the FTC can continue to investigate MEDICAL PROFESSIONS, but AMA still vows to fight for total exemption from FTC OVERSIGHT. ROBERTS-ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY having problems with CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT too. LINDA WERTHEIMER-The director of EPA is regarded in CONTEMPT OF CONGRESS by two different subcommittees for refusing to surrender files on the EPA'S efforts to enforce TOXIC WASTE CLEANUP by companies. REAGAN ordered EXECUTIVE PRIVILEGE claim. 20.17.04-ANNE GORSUCH, EPA administrator in committee hearing. Asserts "executive privilege" claim, says Congress is overstepping its bounds. WERTHEIMER v.o.-Congress is not convinced that the EPA is actively enforcing laws on TOXIC WASTE, prosecutions for TOXIC WASTE infractions are dramatically down under GORSUCH'S administration of EPA. Rep. W.J. TAUZIN (D-LA) in committee hearing, tells GORSUCH that his constituents are worried about TOXIC WASTE and deserve to know what the EPA is doing about it. Rep. AL GORE says he can't accept the EXECUTIVE PRIVILEGE claim. Points to a "sensitive" document that turns out to be an invitation for CORPORATIONS accused of TOXIC WASTE violations to attend a secret meeting. GORSUCH denies that the document was withheld, blah blah blah. 20.20.19-Rep. TAUZIN notes that the EPA uses "Kelly Girls" as office staff, allowing outsiders to see these "sensitive" documents but won't let Congress look. GORSUCH defends against the charge, asserts that the issue is REAGAN'S right to keep control of the EPA in the Executive Branch. WERTHEIMER v.o.-CONGRESS doesn't buy that explanation. Rep. BOB WHITAKER (R-KS) demands that EPA documents be given to Congress. Rep. RICHARD SHELBY (D-Ala.) says he's bothered by the EXECUTIVE PRIVILEGE claim, Congress is responsible for overseeing the EPA and needs the information. 20.23.03-WERTHEIMER-GORSUCH was cited for CONTEMPT OF CONGRESS, but it's expected that an accommodation will be made. DUKE-notes that new SENATE OFFICE BUILDING is being called "Taj Mahal" of Capitol Hill, named for late Sen. PHIL HART. Commentary by Otis Pike on the new building. Note how far over budget the building went in construction--wood paneling, new gymnasium 16 foot ceilings, rooftop restaurant proposed until HOUSE imposed a ceiling on spending. After all the extravagances removed, no Senators want to work in the Hart building. Jokes that the "side doors for Senators to slip out when Taxpayers come in the front door" must have been cut out of the plans, too. 20.25.57-DUKE-signs off. Closing credits/transcript order information/WETA credit/sponsor credits/PBS ID 20.27.48--OUT