Capitol Journal
Capitol Journal
WETA "CAPITOL JOURNAL" IN 17.42.25 A symposium discussion on Partisanship and Parties in Congress as part of the bicentennial of Congress. Features Reps. TOM FOLEY, ROBERT MICHEL, and former Rep. BARBER CONABLE. Rep. MICHEL says he's had a good working relationship with Tom Foley despite party differences, and knows Tip O'Neill well enough to tell Tip what Tip is about to tell him. He's not sure how Jim Wright will do as speaker after O'Neill retires. Conable talks about reforming the Seniority System in Congress, says that Republicans led the way to the changes because the Southern Democrats insisted on keeping the system intact. Conable says that true competition between parties keeps the Congress vital. Former DNC chair distinguishes between party loyalty and the role of parties in Congress. Says it's destructive for a party to enforce too rigid discipline to a party line determined outside Congress. Says that true leaders of Congress hold the preservation and prestige of Congress above party loyalty. Tells some Sam Rayburn stories. 17.50.48-host closes out the discussion. Rep. Jerry Lewis, host of the symposium, wraps up the program, credits the staff. TIME CODE JUMPS 17.59.30-in between panel discussions in a symposium on the bicentennial of Congress, held in a Congressional hearing room. Rep. Jerry Lewis reflects on 200 years of Congress, thanks sponsors. Introduces Rep. Lindy Boggs, chair of House bicentennial committee. Rep. Boggs thanks others involved with the symposium, introduces a musical play on the Constitutional Convention called "Four Little Pages". 18.06.10