[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 59 (Tuesday, May 12, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H3029]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    WAR ON DRUGS TO PROTECT CHILDREN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 21, 1997, the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Mrs. Clayton) is 
recognized during morning hour debates for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. CLAYTON. Mr. Speaker, today the House will consider H.R. 423, a 
resolution to declare war on drugs to protect our children. While this 
resolution is nonbinding, it is important that we continue to express 
our commitment towards making America drug free.
  Drug-driven violent crime is spiraling out of control, particularly 
among juvenile offenders. Over the past 10 years, in my State of North 
Carolina, juvenile arrests have almost doubled, from 11,165 in 1986, to 
21,717 in 1996, a startling 93 percent.
  And the numbers are far worse for violent crimes: weapons violations 
and drug offenses. In North Carolina, violent crime among juveniles, 
murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, increased by 129 percent 
over the past decade. Weapons violations increased by an incredible 492 
percent, and drug violations by an unbelievable 460 percent.
  We must not only offer our young people change, we must also offer 
them a chance for a fully productive life. Support the resolution.

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