Lawmakers : 01/26/83
1983 - Lawmakers : 01/26/83 - Interview with Senator Ernest Hollings
Host Paul Duke notes the response by Democrats to U.S. President Ronald Reagan State of the Union speech criticized Reaganomics. The spending freeze was originally a Democratic idea, from U.S. Senator Ernest Hollings (D-SC). Linda Wertheimer interviews Sen. Hollings who states that his idea for a freeze is fair and goes across the board, but President Reagan doesn't want to cut defense spending or call off his tax cuts. Sen. Hollings believes shared sacrifice is the only way for President Reagan to achieve a consensus. Sen. Hollings calls for leadership from President Reagan. He doesn't believe new programs can be discussed if a spending freeze is proposed.
1983 - Lawmakers : 01/26/83 - Interview with Senator Ernest Hollings
Linda Wertheimer interviews U.S. Senator Ernest Hollings (D-S.C.) asking for his thoughts of U.S. President Ronald Reagan's idea of a "standby tax". Sen. Hollings says it's terrible idea, delaying responsibility until 1986. Sen. Hollings believes that President Reagan has withdrawn from the search for solutions, isn't leading through the crisis, and doesn't understand that his defense spending coupled with revenue loss is the biggest reason for the deficit, not past policies of tax and spend by former President Jimmy Carter. Sen. Hollings believes that is why Sen. Howard Baker (R-TN) stepped aside, because he could not lead the program that President Reagan wants.
1983 - Lawmakers : 01/26/83 - Reagan Policies
Host Paul Duke notes that U.S. Senator Howard Baker (R-TN) won't seek re-election to Senate in 1984. Duke discusses with Coke Roberts Baker's comments that there will be a big battle brewing over defense spending, with even conservative Republicans starting to favor defense cuts. However, the spending freeze is not a popular idea in general. Linda Wertheimer notes the Presidential election is already looming on horizon and Republicans and Democrats campaigning are discussing jobs bills that President Reagan has not planned to include in his budget. The trio discusses President Reagan's speech. President Reagan realizes that Congress isn't receptive, so he's trying to appeal to the people directly. Wertheimer introduces a report on confirmation of Elizabeth Dole to Transportation Secretary.
1983 - Lawmakers : 01/26/83 - Elizabeth Dole Confirmation Hearing
Nominee for Transportation Secretary, Elizabeth Dole, speaking to reporter, says her testimony was relaxed and friendly. U.S. Senator Bob Dole (R-KS) entering Senate Finance Committee meeting room; adult Caucasian male Capitol Police Officer stands at the door. Sen. Robert Packwood (R-OR) asks Sen. Dole, sitting with his wife, Elizabeth, at the witness table during her confirmation hearing, if he's filed a conflict of interest statement. Sen. Dole provides a litany of jokes that makes everyone laugh. Elizabeth says she's not as quick as Sen. Dole with the one-liners, but the first joke he used was actually hers. VS of confirmation hearing; Elizabeth Dole testifying. Sen. Packwood describes his friendly relationship with the Dole family. Sen. Don Riegle (D-MI) praises Elizabeth Dole. Sen. Nancy Kassebaum (R-KS) does likewise. Elizabeth Dole smiling. Sen. Kassebaum states the hearing was friendly. Elizabeth states she appreciates the kind remarks, but there were some tough questions.