CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE
CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE
15.08.28-Newman/Ornstein-discussion of sanctions that can be levied by an Ethics committee-Censure, a public rebuke with loss of Chairmanships, or Expulsion. Discussion of 1980 investigation of Rep. CHARLES WILSON (D-CA) for financial misdealings. Rep. WILSON gives a speech declaring his innocence, attacking the press for feeding hype and the rest of the Congress for being prejudiced and acting in its own interest. Rep. WILLIAM CLAY (D-MO) defends Wilson, attacks the rest of the Congress for not paying close attention to the proceedings. Rep. KEN HOLLAND (D-SC) says that it's wrong to assume that all allegations against a Congressman are true. Rep. WYCHE FOWLER (D-GA) says that Congress has to be strict and aggressive in punishing ethics violations to preserve its integrity. 15.12.30-Voice vote, TIP O'NEILL announcing the vote to Censure Congressman Wilson. 15.13.06-Clip of undercover FBI agent in surveillance video for "Abscam" sting operation, sets the scene for two Congressman to be caught taking bribes. Rep. FAZIO says that motivations must be considered. Clip of the surveillance video and shot of pile of headlines about "Abscam". Rep. MIKE MYERS assures the FBI agents that he will exert his influence for $50,000. Another clip of surveillance video where Rep. MYERS complains about not getting a bigger bribe. 15.14.55-Rep. MYERS in Well of House pleading his case. V.o.-although convicted in criminal court, Myers was not automatically expelled, until the House approved a resolution to expel him. Rep. CHARLES BENNETT (D-FL) presents the case against Myers. Rep. MYERS says he was given a script and was "play acting", and other generally improbable excuses. BENNETT says that MYERS' conduct, using his influence as a Congressman to take money for personal gain, is unacceptable. MYERS urges other Congressmen not to take part in a "lynching" due to "political pressures". Rep. BENNETT says the most painful tragedies are the self-inflicted ones, and Myers must pay, demands the expulsion of MYERS. TIP O'NEILL leads voice vote, which is handily passed. 15.17.24-Newman-wraps up with a summary of the Ethics review processes of Congress. 15.18.01-closing credits/WETA credit/funding credits/PBS ID 15.19.23--OUT