LAWMAKERS
LAWMAKERS
20.08.37-DUKE-the Senate also approved the MX resolution, with 12 SENATE DEMOCRATS voting for the MX. Discussion with WERTHEIMER about the electoral influences on the vote-fear that REPUBLICANS can blame DEMOCRATS for being soft on ARMS RACE in 1984, but some DEMOCRATS also feel that it's advantageous to oppose REAGAN'S warlike tendencies [anagram time: Ronald Wilson Reagan=Insane Anglo Warlord]. DUKE-if it is built, the MX will be sure to increase the DEFICIT. Intro guest Senator SLADE GORTON (R-WA), influential player in BUDGET DEBATE. GORTON says it should be possible to build a center coalition for a budget, Congress is obligated to do something. Discussion of the lines of the coalition. 20.11.35-Discussion DUKE/GORTON on the prospects of REAGAN approving the Congressional budget. GORTON optimistic, says REAGAN usually bids hard and bargains down in the process. Discussion of REPUBLICANS' unwillingness to join the DEMOCRATS. GORTON says the House budget plan was partisan and unfair. Discussion of the coalition-building process and compromises-Delaying the major TAX INCREASES for three years, to delay DEFICIT CUTTING to try to speed ECONOMIC RECOVERY. 20.15.38-GORTON talks about how he justifies the crazy haggling and political maneuvering to his constituents-says that he frames the question in terms of doing the best thing for the country and for jobs and the economy. DUKE-intro report on battle between WOMEN'S GROUPS and INSURANCE INDUSTRY over DISCRIMINATION in INSURANCE RATES. Women's vote gives the rich INSURANCE LOBBY more trouble than in the past. 20.16.58-C/S George Bernstein, INSURANCE INDUSTRY attorney, says that all the INDUSTRY has to do is get "the facts" to the public to convince Congress to take its side. COKIE ROBERTS reporting. C/U page with text of bill to ban DISCRIMINATION in INSURANCE RATES, v.o. desc. Of provisions of bill, Women's groups protesting differences in RATES, COVERAGE, and PENSIONS for Women. Shots of a congressional hearings, with group of women testifying and a bunch of SUITS looking on nervously from the audience. C/S Rep. NORMAN LENT (R-NY), argues that if women don't want to have INSURANCE adjusted due to longer life spans, they should be willing to give up cheaper AUTO INSURANCE RATES for women. A WOMEN'S BUSINESS GROUP representative answers that the issue is CIVIL RIGHTS more than INSURANCE, and JUSTICE should be the principle.