The Changing Congress; The Art of Probing

National Educational Television and Radio Center · June 13, 1965

Concentrating on the Congressional investigation, this program examines the enormous work involved in the pre-investigative stage and explores the controversies surrounding Congressional probes. Taking into account the value of a probe, the program considers various reasons why they're undertaken - to watchdog of the executive branch, to study a national problem that can be resolved by legislation, and to muster public support behind an issue. Criticism of the Congressional probe is examined with respect to abuse and use of the Fifth Amendment and the questions of partisanship. Incorporated in the program are interviews with Congressmen directly and indirectly involved with legislative probes and a brief recounting of some of the news-making hearings held since World War II - such as those of the House Un-American Activities Committee and the one-man crusade of the late Senator Joseph McCarthy (R - Wisconsin), and the Kefauver investigation of the drug industry. Among the legislators and critics interviewed by host Joseph McCaffrey are: U.S. Senator John L. McClellan (D - Arkansas), chairman of the Senate Permanent Investigating Sub-Committee. Congressman Edwin Willis (D - Louisiana), chairman of the House Un-American Activities Committee. U.S. Senator Karl Mundt (R - South Dakota), ranking minority leader of Senator McClellan's sub-committee and veteran Congressional investigator. U.S. Senator John Williams (R - Delaware), instrumental in initiating the Bobby Baker hearing and regarded by his colleagues as a one-man investigator. U.S. Senator Philip A. Hart (D - Michigan), chairman of the Senate Anti-Trust Sub-Committee. House Minority Leader Gerald Ford (R - Michigan) Political scientist Daniel Berman of American University and author or the newly published book, In Congress Assembled. (Description adapted from documents in the NET Microfiche) Covering the broad spectrum of our nation's legislative branch, "The Changing Congress" explores with interviews, commentary, film excerpts, and on-location coverage the colorful history of Congress, its evolution, development, problems, achievements, operation, inner workings, image, performances, relationship with other government branches, its function as the representative body of the American people, and future courses. The Changing Congress scrutinizes where the power lies in Congress, Washington life as seen through the activities of a Senator and Representative, the power structure and hurdles that must be surmounted for legislation to pass, the pros and cons of Congressional probes, influences of the constituency and lobby groups on Congress, the increasing dominance of the executive branch with respect to legislation, the extent to which Congress shapes foreign affairs, and proposals for Congressional reform. The series host, John F. McCaffrey, dean of Washington television news correspondents and award-winning commentator, has been an observer of the Capitol Hill scene for more than twenty years. Mr. McCaffrey started in news broadcasting while working as a newspaper reporter prior to World War II. Following active service, he joined the Washington bureau of CBS. Later, he served as Washington editor for Mutual Newsreel of the Air. In 1954, he started his own Washington bureau, serving mid-western radio and television stations. Besides appearing on television, Mr. McCaffrey hosts, "Today in Congress," the only daily radio program devoted to Capitol Hill happenings. A lecturer and author of political affairs, Mr. McCaffrey is a two-time winner of the Washington chapter of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Emmy Award. The Changing Congress is a 1965 production of National Educational Television. It consists of 9 half-hour episodes that were originally recorded on videotape. (Description adapted from documents in the NET Microfiche)