LAWMAKERS
LAWMAKERS
20.06.27-C/S of a woman, says CONGRESS should not be dealing with ABORTION ISSUE at all. Shot of line of protesters, most women, carrying PRO-CHOICE signs and chanting on sidewalk. Shot of bearded ANTI-ABORTION MAN (PRO-LIFE) holding up large banner with grotesque picture of aborted fetus. L/S PRO-CHOICE protesters. WERTHEIMER v.o.-PRO-CHOICE side got off to a bad start in 1981 with Sen. JOHN EAST (R-NC) introduced a "human life" bill that declared the SUPREME COURT to be in error in ROE V. WADE. C/S Sen. EAST in Committee hearing, announces that ROE V. WADE would be erased by his attempt to define Conception as the beginning of life. WERTHEIMER-EAST damaged his cause by being high-handed and overconfident of victory. C/S ORRIN HATCH in committee. 20.07.28-Exterior of Capitol. WERTHEIMER v.o.-tactical squabbles (statute vs. Constitutional Amendment) divided Conservatives until 1982, JESSE HELMS finally took an anti-abortion bill to the floor. C/S HELMS in office, says life would be easier if there was no ABORTION ISSUE, but he can't compromise on his beliefs. C/S of page with HELMS proposed ANTI-ABORTION bill, v.o.-bill included SCHOOL PRAYER provisions also. M/S Sen. BOB PACKWOOD speaking to a crowd outdoors. C/S HELMS giving press conference. HELMS says the closeness of the vote is proof that the ANTI-ABORTION side is getting stronger. 20.08.30-WERTHEIMER-the NEW RIGHT also lost on VOTING RIGHTS ACT reforms. Shots of a House committee hearing with CIVIL RIGHTS ADVOCATES demanding extension of a tougher VOTING RIGHTS ACT. VERNON JORDAN (of Zippergate fame) testifying, says he doesn't trust SOUTHERN WHITES to be left alone to protect his rights. Rep. HENRY HYDE (R-IL) trying to justify the gutting of the VOTING RIGHTS ACT by saying that the Senate won't pass a tough law-"If you can't get dinner, you get a sandwich". Shot of HELMS with colleagues walking down Capitol steps. C/S EAST in office, says conservatives caved to pressure and realized they couldn't get away with gutting VOTING RIGHTS ACT [not East's words].