LAWMAKERS
LAWMAKERS
Lawmakers: John Dingell and the environment
LAWMAKERS
DO NOT USE WETA credit/sponsor credits
LAWMAKERS
COKIE ROBERTS-on program-a new BUDGET PLAN by SENATE REPUBLICANS includes SOCIAL SECURITY CUTS/ LINDA WERTHEIMER-report on Rep. JOHN DINGELL (D-MI) and his role in the CLEAN AIR ACT debate/ PAUL DUKE-HOUSE addresses problems of FARMERS.
LAWMAKERS
Title Sequence.
LAWMAKERS
DUKE-REAGAN agreed to a compromise on the extension of the 1965 VOTING RIGHTS ACT that was tougher on enforcement than he originally wanted. The clean air debate might be tougher. WERTHEIMER intro report on Rep. JOHN DINGELL of DETROIT, a key figure in the CLEAN AIR ACT debate-DINGELL is a key ally of the REAGAN administration on the CLEAN AIR ACT, and is a tough defender of the AUTO INDUSTRY.
LAWMAKERS
Shot of portrait of DINGELL on wall of committee chamber, pan down to Rep. DINGELL. DINGELL says that AUTO EMISSION standards shouldn't be treated as holy writ; they can be changed by Congress. DINGELL in office-denies that there is a choice between "jobs and air quality", says that the other side is intransigent and not concerned about jobs. Still of a political cartoon attacking DINGELL as a pawn of the BIG THREE auto companies. Shot of committee hearing, protesters wearing dust masks over their mouths and noses, wearing t-shirts with "DIRTY DINGELL" slogan.
LAWMAKERS
DINGELL warns the audience that disturbances would not be tolerated. Shot of DINGELL seated in his office, defends his ENVIRONMENTAL RECORD. Shot of RALPH NADER in office, says that DINGELL is such a cheerleader for AUTO INDUSTRY that even AUTO INDUSTRY lobbyists are embarrassed, says DINGELL is the "Congressman from Ford Motor Company". Shot of DINGELL driving his car past an AUTO PLANT in DETROIT, says that all of his constituents are in some way dependent on the AUTO INDUSTRY. Shots of DETROIT-AREA factories. WERTHEIMER v.o.-disc. of the general cruddy state of the economy in DETROIT. Shots of idle factories.
LAWMAKERS
Shots of DINGELL in a conference room with reporters. A reporter asks if he has any good news for AUTO WORKERS. DINGELL says that he has no easy answer, but that he can see an amendment to the CLEAN AIR ACT that will lower CAR PRICES and help the industry. Shots of UNION WORKERS exiting a conference, DINGELL among them, loading up plates in a buffet line. DINGELL v.o.-says there is a paradox-DETROIT can't prosper unless the whole country prospers, the whole country can't prosper unless DETROIT prospers. Shots of DINGELL eating with UAW workers. DINGELL says that he's getting worked too hard as a COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN without getting any more pay, says he'd be on strike if there was a CONGRESSMAN'S UNION.
LAWMAKERS
UAW rep. introducing DINGELL to speak at a UNION HALL, says DINGELL should tell all other congressmen that the issue is "jobs, jobs, jobs". Shot of DINGELL defending his vote for a CONGRESSIONAL PAY RAISE to the UAW audience. Shot of DINGELL walking with UAW rep. WERTHEIMER v.o.-DINGELL'S critics say that DINGELL is in the pocket of big SPECIAL INTERESTS and a master of backroom politics. Shot of DINGELL calling a member of his committee for a talk, he sounds like a high school FOOTBALL COACH.
LAWMAKERS
Shot of Rep. TOBY MOFFETT (D-CT) in office, discusses DINGELL'S leadership style, a master of getting votes. Shot of DINGELL chewing out a witness. Shot of MOFFETT saying that he respects the fact that DINGELL is "not out to win Miss Congeniality". Shot of DINGELL announcing a citation of CONTEMPT OF CONGRESS against INTERIOR SECRETARY JAMES WATT. DINGELL makes light of his own reputation for being a hard-ass.
LAWMAKERS
Shot of DINGELL and his wife doing the GARDENING in the backyard of a D.C.-area townhouse. Mrs. DINGELL v.o.-says that her friends were aghast that she was going to marry DINGELL. Shot of DINGELL and wife Deborah seated in yard, Deborah praises John's loyalty and compassion, in spite of his tough reputation. Shot of DINGELL in office, says he's a political pragmatist, and if some people don't like his style, too bad.