Static b/w shot of back of TWA plane with text in one corner reading "Beirut, Lebanon" - pilot of the plane shouts over radio "they are beating the passengers, they are threatening to kill them now, we want the fuel now, immediately!"
Unidentified Congressman outside capital comments on how tough it is to deal with terrorists.
Capitol Journal host Hodding Carter in tv studio introduces the show.
In tv studio, Carter gives explanation of hostage crisis in Beirut.
James Montgomery, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, explains how Congress can help in dealing with the hostage crisis.
Shots of Representative John Grotberg's office in Illinois and interview with Grotberg about his members of his district whose relatives and friends are hostage aboard the plane. Interview with Senator Paul Simon about what he's doing regarding the crisis, footage of Simon's office in Illinois - interview with one of Simon's staffers about how she's been working with family members of plane passengers
Various shots of press people setting up for reports in airport, at the Capital, in front of the White House, brief footage of Congressional floor, shot of Secretary of State George Schultz rushing into a building surrounded by entourage of security. Brief clip from Ronald Reagan press conference in which Reagan says the U.S. is under attack by international terrorists, shots of Representatives speaking on Congressional floor about crisis, various Reagan administration officials concerned with security issues are shot meeting the press. Interview with Representative Representative John Grotberg.
In the studio Carter segues to summary of 1979 hostage crisis.
Tehran, Iran 1979: footage of rallying crowd in Iran in 1979 - blind-folded American hostages are paraded before them, an American flag is burned - this footage has text over it in the bottom of the screen reading "Tehran, Iran."
Various clips of members of Congress talking about what the President's reaction should be to hostage crisis in Iran.
Representative George Hanson in Iran to negotiate the release of the hostages - he passes through chanting crowds.
State Department Spokesman Hodding Carter tells the press there is only one negotiator with Iran during 1979 Hostage Crisis.
November 12th, 1979 The President, President Jimmy Carter "... we refuse to permit the use of terrorism and the seizure and the holding of hostages to impose political demands. No one should underestimate the resolve of the American Government and the American people in this matter. It is necessary to eliminate any suggestion that economic pressures can weaken our stand on basic issues of principle. Our position must be clear. I am ordering that we discontinue purchasing of any oil from Iran for delivery to this country."
On the House floor Representative John M. Ashbrook delivers a harsh critique of Carter's initiative to deal with the hostage crisis.
Back in the studio Carter segues.
Congressional reaction to the Iranian hostage crisis of 1979, Senators Frank Church and Jacob Javits explain why they both feel the time is not right for Congressional inquiries.
Shots of the aftermath of failed rescue attempt Operation Eagle Claw, mangled wreckage of a helicopter and other aircraft.
Representative Jim Leach from the House floor condemns "the John Wayne school of diplomacy", Senator Harry Jackson explains the consequences of the failed rescue mission regarding America's international reputation.
President Carter at a campaign rally says he does not intend to lose the 1980 election.
Presidential candidate Ronald Reagan on a talk show saying the Iran hostage situation never would have occurred had the U.S. had more of a foreign policy with Iran at the time of their revolution.
January 27, 1981 President Reagan speaks at a ceremony on the White House lawn to honor the released hostages. "Let terrorists be aware that when the rules of international behavior are violated, our policy will be one of swift and effective retribution."
Congressmen John Glenn, Robert Byrd, Claiborne Pell, Richard Lugar, Dante Fascell, John Heinz, Dave Durenberger, Robert Kasten, each say what they believe Congress' responsibilities are in the TWA hostage situation.
In studio Carter introduces discussion panel: Senator Patrick Leahy, Senator William Cohen, journalist Jody Powell, Leslie Gelb of the New York Times, they discuss the Congress' responsibility in the TWA hostage crisis and the role of the media in the crisis.
In studio Carter introduces discussion panel: Senator Patrick Leahy, Senator William Cohen, journalist Jody Powell, Leslie Gelb of the New York Times, they discuss the Congress' responsibility in the TWA hostage crisis and how to prevent terrorist acts in the future.
In studio Carter introduces discussion panel: Senator Patrick Leahy, Senator William Cohen, journalist Jody Powell, Leslie Gelb of the New York Times, they discuss the Congress' responsibility in the TWA hostage crisis and how to prevent terrorist acts in the future.
In studio Carter introduces discussion panel: Senator Patrick Leahy, Senator William Cohen, journalist Jody Powell, Leslie Gelb of the New York Times, they discuss the Congress' responsibility in the TWA hostage crisis and how to prevent terrorist acts in the future.
Senators Glenn and Lugar comment on what the U.S. response should be to hostage crisis.