[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 97 (Thursday, July 12, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1324]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   EDUCATION FIGHTS UNDERAGE DRINKING

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                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 12, 2001

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Underage drinking and all kinds of distracted 
driving are in our headlines once again with various legal solutions 
being discussed both here and in our state capitols. One organization 
know as The Century Council, a national non-for-profit organization, 
funded by America's leading distillers, has dedicated itself to 
fighting drunk driving and underage drinking. What remains clear is 
that education is a vital component of our efforts to thwart impaired 
driving and underage alcohol consumption.
  Parents, teachers, caregivers, and the community as a whole must 
initiate a dialogue with young people--as early as elementary or middle 
school--so that positive values are formed. Teens will realize the 
potential consequences that result from reckless alcohol consumption 
and, should young people chose to drink when they are adults, they will 
do so responsibly and in moderation.
  Our former colleague, Susan Molinari, has become Chairman of the 
Council, working closely with Ralph Blackman, its President and CEO. 
Robin Carle, former Clerk of the House of Representatives is its 
Government Affairs Director and Steven Naclerio, an attorney for the 
Bacardi companies, has worked with the Council since its inception. 
They all would be happy to have your help and support
  With education we stand a real chance of diminishing some of the 
persistent national problems caused by underage drinking.

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