Mr. Smith Goes To Washington Page #40

Jeff goes out quickly--as Paine stops dead, staring after

him.

The scene dissolves to the VISITOR'S ROOM adjacent to the

Senate Chamber, with TAYLOR and PAINE huddled together,

talking in low tones and rapidly--people occasionally passing

in the background.

TAYLOR:

It's in your lap, Joe. Keep an eye

on him. If he gets to his feet and

says anything--

PAINE:

It's crucifying him--!

TAYLOR:

Anything *better* to offer?

PAINE:

Maybe he won't get up.

TAYLOR:

But--if he *does*, Joe--

The bell sounds--Paine walks away quickly.

TAYLOR:

(calling after in low

voice--cautioning)

Joe! If he *does*--!

The scene dissolves to the SENATE CHAMBER, which first reveals

the PRESIDENT of the Senate speaking.

PRESIDENT:

--during the consideration of the

Deficiency Bill, there is a unanimous

consent agreement--

JEFFERSON is seen keeping his head up, his expression

revealing nothing about what he intends to do.

PRESIDENT'S VOICE

--that no Senator shall speak more

than once, or longer than five minutes--

PAINE is seen looking over at Jefferson.

PRESIDENT'S VOICE

--on any section of the bill. The

clerk will begin the reading.

Now the CLERK rises with a copy of the bill in his hands.

CLERK:

(reading)

"A bill providing for deficiency

appropriations for the fiscal year.

Section One. For emergency relief--"

In the VISITOR'S GALLERY, TAYLOR AND MCGANN are sitting

tensely, looking down on the Senate floor.

CLERK'S VOICE

"--to create and erect public

improvements on rivers, harbors and

roadways in the states of--"

In the SENATE, the CLERK in now half-way through the bill,

held plainly in his hands.

CLERK:

(reading)

"Section Forty: An appropriation for

diverting and impounding the

headwaters of Willet Creek--"

JEFFERSON is seen alert and anxious and determined.

CLERK'S VOICE

"--in the natural basin of Terry

Canyon. Five million dollars--"

Jeff leaps up. His hands are clenched. His face is white.

JEFFERSON:

Mr. President!

TAYLOR AND MCGANN, in the Visitor's Gallery, come forward in

their seats.

PRESIDENT'S VOICE

Does the Senator desire to be heard

on Section Forty?

JEFFERSON:

(on his feet now)

I do, sir.

PRESIDENT:

The Senator understands he is limited

to five minutes?

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