Senate TV Coverage Draws Rave Reviews

WASHINGTON —  Senate leaders marked the first anniversary of televised coverage of the chamber’s proceedings Tuesday, saying that cameras mean the people are “finally plugged in to their democracy.”

Senate Majority Leader Robert C. Byrd (D-W.Va.) characterized the first year of Senate television as a success, with 9 million households now able to view proceedings on 400 cable systems.

Since cameras started recording their debate, senators have delivered “shorter and more polished speeches,” Byrd said, adding that television may have improved their behavior.

“One year ago today, the American people were finally plugged in to their democracy,” Senate Minority Leader Bob Dole (R-Kan.) said. “When we began the experiment last year, there were fears of abuse: members playing to the cameras, endless prime time filibusters and rumors of makeup in the chamber.

“Let’s face it, there has been some grandstanding,” he added. “But the bottom line tells us that the people’s government--the House and the Senate--can now be seen in millions of households around the country.”