[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 10, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E190]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      DRUG USE AMONG OUR CHILDREN

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                            HON. RON PACKARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 10, 1999

  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my concern over the 
continuing increase in teenage drug abuse. Our nation's children are 
our future and they must be protected from the evils of illegal drugs.
  Despite the Clinton Administration's promises, drug use among our 
children has increased in the last few years. The statistics speak for 
themselves, Between 1996 and 1997 illicit drug use by children grew 
from 9.6 percent to 11.4 percent. The Administration's response to this 
crisis has been appalling. The international interdiction programs have 
been reduced by nearly $1 billion, while the present level of staff at 
the White House Office of Drug Control Policy is now 25, down from 146 
employees.
  As a father of seven and a grandfather of thirty four, I am very 
concerned with the ever lowering age of drug use in this country. I am 
proud to be working with other Member of Congress who are committed to 
the war on drugs. We have already passed legislation increasing the 
punishment for dealing in methamphetamines and we have increased 
spending to stop drugs from entering our borders. It should not stop 
there. For our children's sake we have to do more. We must increase the 
punishment for people who continue to deal in drugs, especially when 
children are concerned.
  There is much more to do to stop the rise of drug use. Congress and 
the Administration must work together and reduce the influence of 
illegal drugs. I urge my colleagues to address this issue during the 
106th Congress and to implore this administration to get tough on drug 
use among our children.

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