LAWMAKERS
LAWMAKERS - LM 057- "Program Opening"
WETA credit/sponsor credits. Host Paul Duke mentions President Reagan's tax battle with the House of Representatives. Linda Wertheimer mentions a report on a former member of Congress still active in the budget debate. Title sequence.
LAWMAKERS - LM057 - "Tax Policy"
Paul Duke says usually August is quiet in Washington, but this year there are battles over tax policy. Duke quotes President Reagan, that goal is to make tax system "more equitable." Rep. Jack Kemp (R-NY) speaking at podium in 1981 White House Conference, introducing the President; crowd stands, applauds loudly. President Ronald Reagan glad-handing with legislators in different settings, pushing for a tax cut. 1981 Reagan TV speech asking Americans to contact their Congressmen and ask for a tax cut.
LAWMAKERS - LM057 - "Tax Policy"
TV speech from the Oval Office, U.S. President Ronald Reagan asking people to get their Congressmen to again support the tax cut program "to continue the Recovery."
LAWMAKERS - LM 057 - "Tax Policy"
Rep. Pat Roberts (R-KS) in front of Capitol, saying he wanted President Reagan to know that his tax cut plan would affect the elderly, including Roberts' mother.
LAWMAKERS - LM 057 - "Tax Policy"
Rep. Pat Roberts (R-KS) says President Reagan likes to reduce issues to one person, which seems a good tactic but he's not convinced that the tax increase is a good idea. Shot of sign outside National Housing Center offices. Jack Albertine, chair of National Business Conference, descending escalator and hurrying into a board room. Business group meeting. Paul Duke (VO) says Albertine got businessmen to lobby Congress for the tax increase. Albertine (VO) says the high powered group will use their power and influence to sway members of Congress. Albertine outside Capitol discussing watching Reagan's TV address from the White House. American Business Conference office with workers answering phones. Jack Albertine outside Capitol building, says that businessmen want for the tax bill even though their own interests lie with lowering taxes, out of concern for the deficit and interest rates
LAWMAKERS - LM 057 - "Tax Policy"
Jack Albertine getting out of a cab, entering the Capitol building, walking down hallway. Jack Albertine meeting with Rep. Barber Conable (R-NY). Shot of front of the House chamber, Rep. Conable taking to rostrum. Rep. Conable in debate, says medicine always tastes bad, and Congress has to raise taxes. Paul Duke (VO) says Conservative Republicans were reluctant to raise taxes. Rep. John Rousselot (R-CA) in debate, says that President Reagan promised not to raise taxes, says that tax increases wouldn't help much with the deficit. Rep. Mickey Edwards (R-OK) in debate, says he likes Reagan, but he doesn't want to raise taxes. Rep. John Rhodes (R-AZ) in support of the bill, says it's best strength is that "no one is really happy with it." but is good for the country. Rep. Delbert Latta (R-OH) cites JFK'S "what can you do for your country" speech, asks colleagues to let politics aside and do what's right.
LAWMAKERS - LM 057 - "Tax Policy"
Rep. Anthony Toby Moffett (D-CT) says he's surprised to get an opportunity to support one of President Reagan's policies. Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) emphatically says that the tax increase must pass to avoid more cuts in social security, medicare, unemployment, medicaid. Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill says President Reagan is right, asks for votes to pass the bill. Paul Duke (VO) -discusses the final vote and passage of tax bill.