[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 124 (Thursday, September 17, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1745]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       DRUG DEMAND REDUCTION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 16, 1998

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 4550) to 
     provide for programs to facilitate a significant reduction in 
     the incidence and prevalence of substance abuse through 
     reducing the demand for illegal drugs and the appropriate use 
     of legal drugs:


  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of curtailing the use 
of drugs in America. The bill before us today is not bad legislation. 
It certainly provides the states and the territories an opportunity to 
incorporate new anti-drug programs, along with other measures they are 
using, to fight the epidemic that has settled in our communities.
  Often times, I hear people speak of how isolated the Island of Guam 
appears. My island is in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and thousands 
of miles away from the mainland United States. But, on Guam, we feel 
and suffer alongside any other small American town or metropolis.
  In fact, it is speculated that Guam is fast becoming a location for 
the transshipment of illegal drugs into America. Along this route, from 
Asia to America, many of the drugs make their final destination my 
island and their presence has affected our way of life--much like it 
has done across the United States.
  This legislation is good because it continues the dialogue that needs 
to be discussed. The very fact that we are on this floor today and our 
words and gesticulations broadcast across America keep this issue in 
the minds of our constituents.
  I want to thank Mr. Portman for the hard-work he has put into this 
legislation and encourage for continuing dialogue on this issue to 
bring new programs and ideas, such as the Drug Free Prisons and Jails 
provisions in this bill and the assurances for Drug Free Schools.
  We need to continue our fight for our communities, our families and 
our children.

                          ____________________