LAWMAKERS
LAWMAKERS
WETA "LAWMAKERS" 11/17/1983 IN 09.02.45-WETA credit/sponsor credits/title sequence 09.03.34-PAUL DUKE/COKIE ROBERTS/LINDA WERTHEIMER-on program-the windup of the 1983 session with BUDGET DEFICITS a big issue, along with revived EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT and CIVIL RIGHTS. 09.04.09-TCR jump to 09.06.42 09.06.42-ROBERTS intro report on the defeat (again!) of EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT. DEMOCRATS want to cast REPUBLICANS as anti-woman for the elections. 09.07.06-C/S TIP O'NEILL speaking from Speaker's chair, announcing that E.R.A. will be H.R. 1 (top priority bill) for 1983. Shots of PRO-E.R.A. rally on Capitol steps. ROBERTS v.o.-since the E.R.A. was threatened by amendments, DEMOCRATS used the House rules to limit debate and restrict amendments to the bill. ***09.07.28-TCR jump to 09.19.08**** Shots of debate in House. Rep. ROBERT MICHEL (Minority Leader) says that a CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT is too serious to undertake under those rules. C/S Rep. ED ZCHAU (R-CA) accuses DEMOCRATS of politicking for the Elections. Rep. MICHAEL DEWINE (R-OH) says there are too many issues to be worked out-Abortion, Women in Combat, etc. to pass the E.R.A. as it is. Rep. DON EDWARDS (D-CA) says that the vote on the E.R.A. is basically a vote for or against GENDER EQUALITY. Rep. BARBARA BOXER (D-CA) challenges REPUBLICANS to vote for or against E.R.A., but at least to admit that they don't want E.R.A. to pass. 09.21.07--Rep. PATRICIA SCHROEDER (D-CO) argues that E.R.A. is necessary because existing laws aren't doing enough to promote GENDER EQUITY. Rep. BARBARA MIKULSKI (D-MD) argues that EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENTS in the states have a positive impact in getting economic rights for homemakers. Rep. BARBARA VOCANOVIC (R-NV) argues against E.R.A., disguises her objection on procedural grounds. Rep. HAMILTON FISH JR. (R-NY) says the thinks the E.R.A. is an example of DEMOCRATS trying to grandstand for the voters without regard for the importance of the Constitution. C/S TIP O'NEILL debating, dares REPUBLICANS to vote against E.R.A. and try to justify it on procedural grounds, says that voters will think REPUBLICANS oppose WOMEN'S RIGHTS. Gets cheers from DEMOCRATS. 09.23.23-ROBERTS-WOMEN'S GROUPS plan to push the E.R.A. in 1984 and work to get opponents of E.R.A. voted out of office. DUKE intro report on CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION, Congress voting to keep the agency and limit REAGAN'S ability to control the Commission. C/S Sen. ARLEN SPECTER (R-NJ) in studio, introduced by Duke. SPECTER discusses the changes, says that REAGAN was trying to fire Commissioners and replace them with handpicked successors undermining the independence of the Civil Rights Commission. SPECTER says the battle for CIVIL RIGHTS is still going on, and it's important that Congress show its commitment to CIVIL RIGHTS. SPECTER says that REAGAN will not get as much of an ANTI-CIVIL RIGHTS image as his critics hope, REPUBLICANS have a task to overcome a reputation of indifference to CIVIL RIGHTS, although he argues it's not historically true. SPECTER says that REAGAN'S policies don't help the REPUBLICANS in Congress to look strong on CIVIL RIGHTS, given REAGAN'S busy schedule, some authority for CIVIL RIGHTS should be passed to Congress. Discussion of Congressional issues in the last days of the session and REAGAN'S wins and losses.