[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 49 (Tuesday, April 28, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S3708]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH

  Mr. FORD. Mr. President, as April draws to a close this week I want 
to remind my colleagues of Alcohol Awareness Month. I think the 
tireless efforts of many types of groups have raised our awareness 
about alcohol consumption. This includes efforts made by federal and 
state governments, citizen action groups, and the beverage alcohol 
industry itself. More than ever, Americans deplore the devastation of 
drunk driving. More than ever, Americans understand the consequences of 
failing to deal responsibly with alcoholic beverages.
  Americans also need to understand that alcohol is alcohol. A standard 
serving of beer, wine, and distilled spirits contain the same amount of 
alcohol. Some fear that teaching alcohol equivalence would be paramount 
to promoting alcohol consumption. But I think it can actually have the 
opposite effect, promoting a rational approach to this topic and 
encouraging moderation The U.S. Departments of Health and Human 
Services, Transportation, Agriculture, and Education, as well as the 
Dietary Guidelines for Americans all define a drink as 12 ounces of 
beer, 5 ounces of wine, and 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits. And the 
federal government is not alone is recognizing alcohol equivalence. 
Many leading organizations involved in this debate do as well.
  Yet as recently as 1996, one survey found that only 39% of Americans 
understand that a 12 ounce can of beer, a 5 ounce glass of wine, and a 
mixed drink with 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits contain the same 
amount of alcohol. We owe it to Americans to do a better job of 
disseminating this information and providing basic facts on this topic. 
In recognition of Alcohol Awareness Month, it is the very least we can 
do.

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