LAWMAKERS
LAWMAKERS
09.35.01-DUKE-In Senate, CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICANS tried to defeat a bill to raise the DEBT CEILING, which eventually passed, allowing the Government to borrow to keep running. WERTHEIMER reports on central role of BOB DOLE in BUDGET DEBATE, with DOLE trying to work out compromises to LOWER THE DEFICIT. 09.35.56-DOLE in office, says the DEFICIT is a major gamble to continue, the country can't wait to cut the DEFICIT. Discussion of the divergent opinions on TAXES and SPENDING PRIORITIES that complicate the debate. DOLE insists that CONSERVATIVES will be willing to take some TAX INCREASES, they have to understand that the DEMOCRATS in the HOUSE will not accept too many SPENDING CUTS. DOLE hopes there can be a middle ground between TIP O'NEILL and RONALD REAGAN'S positions. The public wants lower deficits. BUSINESS would prefer SPENDING CUTS to TAX INCREASES, but is willing to pay TAXES to cut the DEFICITS-as DEFICIT grows, loans to the Government could keep business from getting needed capital. Discussion of prospects of passing a DEFICIT REDUCTION BUDGET. 09.39.42-WERTHEIMER-The HOUSE is not likely to pass tax bills. Discussion of DEFICIT, DUKE says that even at rate of $1 MILLION per day reduction, it would take 500 years to balance the budget. ROBERTS-CONGRESS in its adjournment resolution granted itself the power to reconvene, worried about REAGAN committing military forces overseas during the holiday recess. 09.40.54-Commentary by Charles McDowell, praises the ability of Congress to adjourn itself, the desire to adjourn forces Congress to take care of business. 09.42.45-DUKE-signs off Closing credits/transcript information/WETA credit/sponsor credits/PBS ID 09.44.39-OUT