by T. R. Reid
First published 1980
Washington Post reporter T.R. Reid follows the tortuous path of S.790, the Inland Waterways Bill, from conception to final passage. The legislation appears minor but triggers major political warfare across Capitol Hill and the White House. Reid documents how Jimmy Carter's support for Republican Pete Domenici's bill creates friction with Congressional leadership. The measure sparks unlikely partnerships, including a hidden alliance between railroad lobbyists and environmentalists operating through money laundering tactics. White House infighting over the bill contributes to Brock Adams losing his cabinet position during Carter's shakeup. Key players include Edward Kennedy, Walter Mondale, Hamilton Jordan, Howard Baker, Tip O'Neill, and Russel Long. The story reveals how connected lawyers leverage relationships over legal skill and exposes the Alton, Illinois Lock and Dam 26 project that earned Senator Proxmire's first Golden Fleece Award. Reid captures the personal motivations, strategic calculations, cooperation, and betrayals that drive Washington's power struggles behind closed doors.
Genres: political-science, politics, journalism, american-history
Vibes: suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: behind-closed-doors, unlikely-allies
Setting: Capitol Hill, White House, Alton, Illinois
Period: 20th-century
140 pages · Hardcover · W. H. Freeman