[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 198 (Wednesday, December 13, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S18565-S18566]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                             ILLICIT DRUGS

 Mr. D'AMATO. Mr. President, I rise today to discuss a vital, 
bicameral effort to combat drugs in this country. The Task Force on 
National Drug Policy, of which I am a proud member, was announced today 
to work to solve a serious problem: narcotics.
  Despite efforts by Congress to curtail the flow of drugs into this 
country and its use by Americans, it seems as though the results have 
been lost with this administration. The intent of this task force is to 
focus the White House on a problem that is far from being resolved, and 
where much attention needs to be paid.
  This is particularly important in light of recent studies that have 
indicated a growing trend in illicit drug use among teenagers. Studies 
indicate that, despite a decline in drug use among teens during the 
1980's, drug use has risen sharply in the past few years. Cocaine use 
by high school students increased 36 percent since 1991-92, which was 
the period of lowest use. Marijuana use increased as well. Between the 
1990-92 school year and 1994, marijuana use among junior high school 
students rose 111 percent and rose 67 percent in high schools. Now, one 
in three high 

[[Page S18566]]
school students admit to smoking marijuana.
  Even without being armed with these statistics, Americans see the 
rise of drug use in their communities. It is on their streets and in 
their schools. Understandably, citizens view narcotics as one of the 
most pressing problems facing our country. According to a Gallup poll 
released yesterday, 94 percent of Americans see drug use as a serious 
problem or a crisis.
  These recent reports are a wake-up call to the administration to take 
action. It has served as the impetus for this Task Force on National 
Drug Policy to set a framework for policy and establish strategic plans 
to combat the drug epidemic. This, in turn, should move the White House 
to realize that this is a pressing issue that they can no longer 
neglect. Action must be taken now. Our children cannot afford to wait 
any longer.
  Efforts must be stepped up to get at the drug suppliers, especially 
the drug kingpins. They are profiting while the rest of us suffer. 
There presence is being tolerated and should not be tolerated anymore.
  In order to control the proliferation of illegal narcotics, law 
enforcement efforts must play a leading role in the Federal strategy. 
Law enforcement agencies, experts in this field, have been able to 
develop innovative techniques to respond to the spread of drugs in our 
communities. They are on the frontlines of this war against drugs and 
have the knowledge to fight its recent rise.
  The members of this task force have the ability to establish policy 
and to take the initiative through legislative action. An example of 
this could be the implementation of a system such as the Automated 
Fingerprint Identification System [AFIS]. Using this biometric system, 
drug smugglers will not be able to repeatedly enter this country using 
fictitious identification with anonymity and impunity. Recidivistic 
drug felons could be immediately identified, detained, and prosecuted 
or deported before their heinous acts impact upon our children, 
families, and communities. This is at least one way to reduce the flow 
of drugs over our borders.
  Another way to deter drug dealers is to raise sentencing guidelines 
and enact mandatory minimums to guarantee longer sentences. These will 
also act as a deterrent to potential offenders. We should be attacking 
their trade, not ignoring their presence.
  It is evident that the illegal drug trade has profited with the focus 
shifted away from their activities. But this task force will change 
that. With the emphasis placed back on narcotics and the harm it 
spreads, this task force may be able to concentrate efforts to rekindle 
the decline of drug use that was noted prior to this administration.
  I would also like to take this opportunity to commend my colleagues 
for their leadership and initiative in the effort to control illicit 
drugs in the United States.

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