LAWMAKERS, May 17, 1984
LAWMAKERS, May 17, 1984
20.16.00-ROBERTS with report on CONGRESS controversy over TV coverage of proceedings. 20.16.26-Shot of CAPITOL from PENNSYLVANIA AVE. Shot of PODIUM of HOUSE CHAMBER. Brief shots of TIP O'NEILL and NEWT GINGRICH. ROBERTS describes the REPUBLICAN request for extra time for REPUBLICANS at end of sessions to speak in chamber, for purpose of getting FOOTAGE on HOUSE TV cameras to use in POLITICAL ads. 20.17.44-Shot of NEWT GINGRICH speaking in HOUSE. Shot of another REPUBLICAN CONGRESSMAN speaking to empty chamber. ROBERTS v.o. explains controversy-O'NEILL has changed rules to allow TV cameras to pan over chamber, which reveals the REPUBLICAN charade. REPUBLICANS are upset. Shot of O'NEILL explaining his ruling in a very convoluted way. More shots of CONGRESSMEN angrily debating. 20.19.14-TIP O'NEILL attacks the REPUBLICAN'S practice of filming speeches before the empty chamber, calls it the "lowest thing I've ever seen in 32 years". Shot of GINGRICH responding. Shot of TRENT LOTT asking O'NEILL'S remarks to be stricken. Shots of CONGRESSMEN. 20.20.26-shot of Rep. ROBERT MICHEL, minority leader, says the acrimony is unfortunate. 20.21.05-DUKE/ROBERTS/WERTHEIMER in studio. Discussion of the effect of TV on HOUSE, visibility to PUBLIC of debate, SENATE'S desire to keep TV out of SENATE, keep SENATE business hidden from PUBLIC. 20.22.45-Charles McDOWELL-commentary on CONGRESSIONAL SPEECHMAKING. Says most of public doesn't believe that speeches on floor are for show, vacant seats suggests that CONGRESSMEN are loafing. The recent controversy over REPUBLICAN "Special Order" speeches will probably cause HOUSE RULES to change, either restrictions on camera angles and view will be lifted, or TV will be taken out altogether. DUKE signs off. 20.24.33-CLOSING CREDITS/transcript order information/WETA credit/sponsor credits/PBS ID 20.25.52-OUT.