[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 27 (Wednesday, March 5, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H729]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1115
                 THE DRUG-FREE COMMUNITIES ACT OF 1997

  (Mr. PORTMAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)


urging assistance for flood victims in 10th congressional district and 
                              other areas

  Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I just arrived back in Washington from my 
district, which was hit very hard by the recent flooding. I want to 
commend the Clinton administration for agreeing to provide disaster 
aid, and urge this body to help those of us in my district and around 
the country that have been so devastated by these high waters.
  I am also here this morning, Mr. Speaker, to introduce new 
legislation, with the gentleman from New York [Mr. Rangel], the 
gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Hastert], and the gentleman from Michigan 
[Mr. Levin], called the Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997. This 
legislation recognizes that the very serious and growing drug problem 
in this country is not going to be solved here in Washington, but is 
going to be solved at the local level, in our communities and 
neighborhoods.
  The Federal Government has a role to play, of course, but even that 
role needs to be more focused on our communities. In order to receive 
Federal support under this new approach in our bill, a community must 
first show its commitment to reducing drug abuse in a comprehensive and 
long-term fashion.
  There has to be substantial volunteer participation from kids, 
parents, businesses, schools, law enforcement, the media, and so on. A 
community must also show that the local effort can be sustained without 
Federal support. We do not want them to be dependent on the Federal 
Government. There is accountability in this bill. A community must 
evaluate whether it is actually having an impact in reducing drug 
abuse.
  Importantly, this is not a matter of new money, but rechanneling 
existing monies will be used. We are rechanneling the existing $16 
billion we spend every year in fighting the drug war. This bill, Mr. 
Speaker, has grassroots support from around the country, from hundreds 
of communities.
  I hope Members will join us in this bipartisan effort to create a 
drug-free America, neighborhood by neighborhood.

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