[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 80 (Wednesday, June 22, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 22, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
           TRIBUTE TO CHRISTIAN M. GANTT, DRUNK DRIVER VICTIM

                                 ______


                        HON. WILLIAM F. GOODLING

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 22, 1994

  Mr. GOODLING. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply saddened to speak to you today 
about one of my constituents, Mr. Christian M. Gantt, who was killed by 
a drunk driver on Thursday, June 9, in my district. Christian was 24 
years young. He was to have graduated in December with a bachelor of 
science degree in mechanical engineering which he was to have used in 
the U.S. Navy. Christian enlisted in the Navy after high school and 
then joined the Reserve Officer Training Corps at Pennsylvania State 
University
  The senselessness of this crime is incomprehensible and must come to 
an end. Over the years I have pressed for legislation to combat drunk 
driving. The 100th Congress passed legislation which declared drunk 
driving to be a national crisis, prompting Surgeon General Koop to 
convene a national workshop on drunk driving. Recently, I introduced 
House Concurrent Resolution 108, which encourages States to enact 
comprehensive laws prohibiting an individual under 21 years of age from 
obtaining alcohol.
  Nothing can be done to bring Christian back. However, his death must 
not go unnoticed. Drunk drivers can kill at any time, in any place. 
When a young man whose whole life was ahead of him, who was intelligent 
and giving, and who faithfully served to defend his country is taken 
away from us because of a drunk driver, we must refocus our energy into 
making our streets safe for our children.
  I want to express my most sincere condolences to Christian's family. 
I urge my colleagues to support legislation to end this crisis. The 
memories of victims of drunk drivers must not be forgotten.

                          ____________________