[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 141 (Thursday, October 3, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S12257]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            DATE RAPE DRUGS

  Mr. COVERDELL. Madam President, there are a number of items that are 
still pending before the 104th Congress, one of which is legislation 
that could combat the surge of what is characterized as date rape drugs 
in the United States.
  I have been working on this matter for the better part of a year. 
This scourge is growing in its use, particularly in the Southwest and 
East--Louisiana, Texas, Florida. It is an evil threat to the young 
people of America.
  The legislation that has been winding its way through this 104th 
Congress makes the use of this drug or any drug as a weapon a Federal 
crime. With the help of Senator Hatch, it was expanded to create 
penalties for possession or distribution of this type drug. It 
ultimately came back to us in the House bill which included minimum 
sentencing, and the other side of the aisle took exception to that. But 
over the last several days, in working together, it appears that we are 
about to come to terms on it, and, in fact, this piece of legislation 
will become law. It is very important.
  This is a weapon that cannot be seen, obviously cannot be heard. You 
cannot taste it. You cannot smell it. So the unsuspecting victim is 
subjected to a period for which they lose consciousness and memory, 
which makes it even more difficult for prosecutors to pursue the case.
  I think by moving in swiftly, we are putting people on notice, we are 
warning potential victims, and we are setting the stage for prosecutors 
to take charge of anybody who would use this new drug in such an evil 
way.
  I am standing here today encouraging all of those who are dealing 
with the remainder of these negotiations to get on with it and certify 
that, indeed, this becomes the law of the land.

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