[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 88 (Thursday, May 25, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1126]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               TRIBUTE TO THE PASSAIC COUNTY DARE PROGRAM

                                 ______


                           HON. MARGE ROUKEMA

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 24, 1995
  Mrs. ROUKEMA. Mr. Speaker, substance abuse--and the crime it breeds--
is a real and terribly dangerous threat to our communities, our 
neighborhoods and our families. Winning the war on abuse requires 
aggressive interdiction, vigorous enforcement, effective treatment and 
tireless education. No one is more aware of this and no one has worked 
harder to fight the scourge of drug abuse than the men and women of the 
Passaic County Drug Abuse Resistance and Education Program.
  DARE is the largest and most effective drug-abuse prevention and 
education program in the United States and is now taught to 25 million 
youths in school from kindergarten to 12th grade. The DARE curriculum 
was originally developed by the Los Angeles Unified School District. 
Today it is taught by veteran police officers across the country. After 
completing 80 hours of specialized training, the officers enter the 
classroom, where they provide children with the skills and self-esteem 
needed to resist peer pressure and the temptation to use drugs.
  The DARE program is clearly a success. Independent research has 
determined that DARE substantially affects students' attitudes toward 
substance abuse. It has helped students improve study habits, achieve 
higher grades and gain a greater respect for police officers, 
decreasing vandalism and gang activity in the process. I can testify 
that among the police departments and educators in my Congressional 
district, DARE is unanimously singled out for the highest praise.
  On June 11, the Passaic County DARE family will celebrate the program 
by holding a parade. DARE students, police officers, teachers, public 
officials and members of local civic and fraternal organizations from 
16 municipalities will march together to send the message loud and 
clear that we will not tolerate substance abuse in our communities and 
schools.
  Today, I ask my colleagues in the House to join with me by showing 
our appreciation for the dedication of the thousands of DARE volunteers 
in Passaic County who have made a life-and-death difference for 
countless young people in their communities. They make us all proud.


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