LAWMAKERS
LAWMAKERS
WETA "LAWMAKERS" 5/19/1983 IN 20.00.00-WETA credit/sponsor credits/title sequence 20.00.57-PAUL DUKE/LINDA WERTHEIMER/COKIE ROBERTS-Senate considers IMMIGRATION REFORM, House not likely to approve it, WILLIAM RUCKELSHAUS approved to head ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, Both Houses negotiate the BUDGET debate. A profile on BOB DOLE and report on approval for building of MX MISSILE. 20.02.18-C/S REAGAN giving White House Press conference, congratulates the "bipartisan" approval of the MX "PEACEKEEPER" MISSILE by appropriations committees. Side angle medium shot of REAGAN showing the press corps in room. C/S Rep. TOM DOWNEY (D-NY) in front of Capitol, says that in addition to CONSERVATIVE DEMOCRATS, some "good Democrats" have gon over to REAGAN'S side on the MX MISSILE. He thinks it's wasteful and dangerous. M/S Rep. LES ASPIN (D-WI) with Rep. ROBERT MICHEL speaking to press outside White House. C/S ASPIN, says he would not have voted for the proposed MX plan, but it's the best plan possible. M/S ASPIN, DICK GEPHARDT, and AL GORE in a "backroom" meeting, counting committee votes for the MX plan. ROBERTS v.o.-this group of "moderate to liberal" Democrats has been trying to lobby other DEMOCRATS to support the MX MISSILE. C/S ASPIN in office, says the MX is neither good nor bad in itself, but the SCOWCROFT COMMISSION recommendation to deploy the MX should influence the SOVIETS to move toward ARMS CONTROL 20.04.36-L/S ASPIN exiting Capitol, pan follow ASPIN down steps and across street. ROBERTS v.o.-ASPIN had been critical of MILITARY BUILDUP and fought for the NUCLEAR FREEZE, his switch is puzzling to colleagues. C/S Anne McBride, lobbyist against MX for COMMON CAUSE. Says the switch was a total surprise. C/S Rep. ROBERT MATSUI (D-CA), says he's surprised by ASPIN, maybe ASPIN began negotiating with REAGAN too soon. C/S Rep. DOWNEY, says he jokes with ASPIN that the MX is going to be renamed the "Les Aspin-Al Gore-Norm Dicks Memorial First Strike Warhead". He thinks the mistake is tragic. M/S ASPIN meeting with group of people. ROBERTS v.o.-these people all have MISSILE SILOS on their property. One older woman gets very agitated that she doesn't want the MX on her property. C/S of a priest who was part of the group, says he disagrees with Aspin and hopes he will change his mind. C/S a Woman id'ed by titles as Anti-MX activist, says she wonders if ASPIN is being bought out. 20.06.36-C/S ASPIN in meeting with a colleague, trying to line up votes for the MX. C/S Rep. DOWNEY, says LIBERALS don't "love to hate" the MX, but believe that ARMS CONTROL is not served by building more weapons. C/S Rep. DAN GLICKMAN (D-KS), says that ASPIN'S support makes it easier for Democrats to vote for the MX. C/S Rep. MATSUI, says ASPIN'S support is good for REAGAN. M/S ASPIN and colleagues in office meeting, AL GORE entering. M/S ASPIN in office, interviewed by ROBERTS, who asks whether ASPIN believes all the dire predictions made by REAGAN about the ARMS RACE and SOVIET SUPERIORITY/AMERICAN VULNERABILITY. ASPIN says he's been convinced after a long time that REAGAN believes it to be true [never really answers the question, whether ASPIN believes REAGAN].