LAWMAKERS
LAWMAKERS
WETA "LAWMAKERS" 9/15/1983 IN 19.57.50-WETA credit/sponsor credits/title sequence. 19.58.43-PAUL DUKE/LINDA WERTHEIMER/COKIE ROBERTS-On program-new FOREIGN POLICY problems in Congress, many due to the KOREAN AIRLINER incident-distrust of SOVIET UNION translates into stronger support for REAGAN on MX MISSILE. Rep. LARRY McDONALD (D-GA) was killed in the incident, now a Conservative hero. LEBANON unrest of concern for U.S. MARINES in LEBANON. The point of contention between Congress and REAGAN is the validity of WAR POWERS ACT, which branch has authority to sent troops to combat. 20.00.05-C/S Rep. GERALD SOLOMON (R-NY) says that FOREIGN POLICY is REAGAN'S job, trots out "535 cooks" argument [that's right, jerry, just excuse yourself from thinking and follow ronnie]. C/S Rep. STEPHEN SOLARZ, argues that the important powers of WAR belong to the Congress according to the Constitution. Exterior of White House, Exterior of Capitol. ROBERTS v.o.-the lines between "foreign policy" and "war" are hazy [especially with REAGAN in office!!!]. Shots of military compound in BEIRUT, with artillery shells exploding nearby. V.o.-discussion of regualtions of WAR POWERS ACT. Shot of an ARMORED VEHICLE driving down a road around BEIRUT. C/S a MARINE field commander, discusses causalties to his unit in BEIRUT. More shots of the military compound, C/S MARINES in combat fatigues/helmets. 20.01.21-C/S Sen. CHARLES MATHIAS (R-MD) says the WAR POWERS ACT provisions do apply. Rep. SOLOMON says there is no hostility in BEIRUT (a condition of WAR POWERS ACT), so the question is moot. Rep. LEE HAMILTON (D-IN) in office, says that if the WAR POWERS ACT doesn't apply to BEIRUT, then it could never apply anywhere, mentions steady CASUALTIES of U.S. MARINES. REAGAN shouldn't be allowed to get away with violating the act. Sen. MATHIAS says the end of Vietnam was tumultuous, and Congress felt strongly that it should be able to prevent a similar fiasco. ROBERTS v.o.-all presidents since NIXON have objected to the WAR POWERS ACT. C/U page with text of WAR POWERS ACT. 20.03.06-C/S Sen. CHARLES PERCY (R-IL) in office, says the law restores the balance of power to Congress, since modern wars have been prosecuted without formal declarations of war. C/S Rep. SOLARZ, says that the LEBANON situation is a textbook case of applying the War Powers Act. Rep. HAMILTON says that no one in Congress doubts the War Powers Act applies, but some fear crossing REAGAN. Shots of Senators in Senate Halls. C/S Sen. BENNETT JOHNSTON (D-LA), says he would like to see U.S. MARINES remain in LEBANON, but to affirm the validity of the WAR POWERS ACT. Shot of DAVIS ROBINSON, legal advisor to State Department testifying to Senate Foreign Relations Committee, says that REAGAN wants to work with Congress. Sen. PAUL SARBANES (D-MD) challenges this. Robinson assures that the administration doesn't want to put the troops in harms way. SARBANES angrily says that Congress is as concerned, if not more. The issue is whether REAGAN ADMINISTRATION will follow the LAW. 20.06.31-Rep. SOLOMON, says for REAGAN to admit that the War Powers Act is valid would be a bad precedent. C/S Rep. SOLARZ, says that War Powers Act can be the key to peace, should be protected.