LAWMAKERS
1983 - LAWMAKERS - Margaret Heckler
Host Paul Duke turns to Linda Wertheimer, who introduces a report on Margaret "Peggy" Heckler being appointed to Secretary of Health and Human Services.
1983 - LAWMAKERS - Margaret Heckler
U.S. House Representative Silvio Conte (R-MA), in office, says he's surprised that U.S. President Ronald Reagan would consider Margaret Heckler or that she would consider the post. Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill (D-MA) recognizing Rep. Margaret Heckler (R-MA) for debate. Rep. Heckler at the lectern; Linda Wertheimer, voiceover, saying that despite losing her re-election campaign, Heckler found herself in the right place and right time. Rep. Conte says Heckler probably conducted a hard campaign to get the job, and President Reagan saw an advantage in appointing a woman to a cabinet post to prepare for the 1984 presidential election. U.S. House Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) says the Reagan Administration had a bad image with women and Heckler was a good fit.
1983 - LAWMAKERS - Margaret Heckler
U.S. House Representative Barney Frank, in office, says that Margaret Heckler will be much more moderate than U.S. President Ronald Reagan's other cabinet secretaries and probably won't do much harm to people who depend on Health and Human Services Department. Richard Viguerie, of Conservative Digest, says Heckler opposed President Reagan on all the key votes in the Reagan program. He calls Heckler "an active feminist". Rep. Newt Gingrich (R-GA), in office, says Heckler district was very liberal and influenced her to reject many conservative positions. There's no reason to believe that Heckler would not act as President Reagan's agent in the Department of Health and Human Services.
1983 - LAWMAKERS - Margaret Heckler
U.S. Senators sitting around dais at a confirmation hearing. Department of Health and Human Services nominee Margaret Heckler seated with U.S. Senators Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and Paula Hawkins (R-FL). Sen. Kennedy says there will be no scandals like in the Environmental Protection Agency with Heckler at the head of the department. Sen. Bob Dole asks Heckler how she responds to Reaganites questioning her support for the President. Heckler states that she's served in Congress under five Presidents, and she has admired no President more than President Reagan. As Congresswoman, she served her district constituents, but as head of HHS, she will serve a national constituency. Sen. Dole thanks her comments, joking that it sounded like a nominating speech. Heckler speaking; Linda Wertheimer, voiceover, states that Heckler's moderate status gave her a reputation for inconsistency in Congress. U.S. House Representative Silvio Conte (R-MA), in office, says Heckler will follow President Reagan's lead.
1983 - LAWMAKERS - Margaret Heckler
U.S. President Ronald Reagan in Oval Office welcoming Margaret Heckler to "the team"; U.S. Vice President George H.W. Bush standing next to Heckler. Linda Wertheimer notes that only three Senators voted against Heckler, all Republican, and all voted against her based on her record. Two were very conservative and one "liberal Republican", Sen. Robert Packwood (R-OR).
1983 - LAWMAKERS - Editorial
Host Paul Duke segues into commentary by Otis Pike. Pike opines on Congressional penchant for mailing out constituent questionnaires that serve no real purpose other than reminding their constituents who they are and getting results on their stance about an issue. The results are often skewed and incoherent, painting only a partial picture of voter's feeling based on party and location in the country. Duke, with Cokie Roberts and Linda Wertheimer, signs off.