LAWMAKERS
LAWMAKERS
LAWMAKERS
LAWMAKERS
DUKE/ROBERTS-discussion of BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT. Notes that ORRIN HATCH is a big proponent of the AMENDMENT in the SENATE. DUKE-report on REAGAN'S CIVIL RIGHTS RECORD, which CIVIL RIGHTS GROUPS say is atrocious. The JUSTICE DEPARTMENT has begun to respond to critics.
LAWMAKERS
Shot of BRADFORD REYNOLDS, Assist. Atty. General, testifying to congressional Committee, says that the REAGAN ADMINISTRATION is using "new approaches" to meet the goals. DUKE v.o.-"new approaches" are unpopular with CIVIL RIGHTS advocates, issued a report that says the Justice Department has been systematically attempting to weaken Civil Rights under REAGAN, summary of REYNOLDS response to charges. Shot of a Congressman, says that the Civil Rights division of Justice Department under Reagan is on its way to being the worst ever. Shot of Rep. HAROLD WASHINGTON (D-IL), says that there is a rising wave of racism in the U.S., the Administration won't admit it, but his constituents face it every day, businesses are returning to past practices of discrimination without fear of prosecution by the government.
LAWMAKERS
REYNOLDS responds to the charge, invites critics to closely examine the facts. Shot of Rep. DON EDWARDS (D-CA), challenges the REAGAN policy of ending BUSING, says that experts believe that in many cases, BUSING is the only way to DESEGREGATE schools. HENRY HYDE interrupts while EDWARDS is questioning him. REYNOLDS defends stance on BUSING. Shot of HYDE speaking in defense of REAGAN policies, notes that many "liberals" are similarly concerned about BUSING, HYDE argues that CIVIL RIGHTS groups have an unfair axe to grind against Conservatives.
LAWMAKERS
Shot of HYDE being interviewed outdoors on Capitol grounds, HYDE says that if black voters do perceive REAGAN as ANTI-CIVIL RIGHTS, REPUBLICANS could be hurt.
LAWMAKERS
DUKE/ROBERTS-DUKE-little understood fact is that black voters are important to REPUBLICANS as well as DEMOCRATS in many places, and black voters are extremely alienated by REAGAN administration. ROBERTS-the alienation is made worse since DEMOCRATS have emphasized the UNFAIRNESS of REAGANOMICS. Intro interview with retiring MINORITY LEADER John RHODES (R-AZ).
LAWMAKERS
RHODES says that the world is scared to death of the arms buildup and REAGAN'S rhetoric on ARMS RACE, says that REAGAN'S thinking has no place in the world of the future. RHODES says he's never before advocated DEFENSE CUTS, but looking at the current situation, it hurts the "free world" more for the U.S. to run big deficits and hurt its economy. Says that he is more comfortable speaking out since he's retiring. Says that REPUBLICANS should be UNITED, that's the strength of the party. Discusses TIP O'NEILL, says their relationship is good although they never agree.
LAWMAKERS
DUKE-intro report on traditional RIVALRY between HOUSE and SENATE. Shot of exterior of Capitol. NORMAN ORNSTEIN reports on the two houses of Congress. Enters room "EF 100" of Capitol, which straddles the "line" between House and Senate sides. Discusses the history of the room.
LAWMAKERS
Shot of a joint meeting of Congress, Congressmen on one side of a conference table, Senators on the other. Discussion of each House's unwillingness to travel to the other side for joint meetings, the solution of EF 100 as a compromise. Sounds like a Brady Bunch episode with the line down the middle of the bedroom...
LAWMAKERS
ROBERTS-intro commentary. Commentary by OTIS PIKE-discusses a "technicality" that defeated a bill last year, efforts by Senators to sneak in tax cuts for themselves on Appropriations bills.
LAWMAKERS
DUKE-Signs off. Closing Credits-over shots of large group of students on tour of CAPITOL, Transcript order information/WETA credit/sponsor credits/PBS ID