[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 54 (Tuesday, May 5, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H2751]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  SAFE AND DRUG-FREE SCHOOL INITIATIVE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 21, 1997, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Lampson) is recognized 
during morning hour debates for 3 minutes.
  Mr. LAMPSON. Madam Speaker, nothing is more heartbreaking than when a 
young person turns to drugs. Although the use of drugs by American 
youth began to level off in 1997, drug-use rates are almost twice as 
high as they were in 1992.
  Research indicates that young people who avoid illegal drugs, 
alcohol, and tobacco before the age of 18 are likely to avoid chemical 
dependency problems during the remainder of their lives. This is why it 
is so important that we all pull together to discourage the 
distribution, sale, and use of illegal drugs by our Nation's youth.
  The real desire is to stop juvenile drug use before it starts by 
teaching children about the dangers of drugs and demonstrating strong 
values and giving them opportunities. That is why I am such a strong 
believer and supporter in the Department of Education's safe and drug-
free school initiative.
  Through this program, funds are made available to individual school 
districts to meet their special needs in educating and protecting their 
students. These funds can pay for additional school security personnel 
and equipment or increased antidrug education. These funds can also be 
used to provide supervised after-school activities. The need for these 
programs is highlighted by the fact that half of all youth crimes are 
committed during the unsupervised hours between school and dinner time.
  Positive parental involvement reduces the likelihood of drug use 
among children. Parents make the biggest difference in children's 
attitudes and values--bigger than schools, bigger than community 
groups, bigger than the government.
  As we all know, most families need two incomes in today's economy. 
There is no substitute for a strong, involved family in a life of a 
child. But we can all work together to fill the gap for our working 
families as we work to protect our children from the dangers of illicit 
drugs. Our future depends on it.

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