[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 70 (Tuesday, May 11, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S3535]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               2010 NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL STRATEGY--PM 54

  The PRESIDING OFFICER laid before the Senate the following message 
from the President of the United States, together with an accompanying 
report; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:

To the Congress of the United States:
  I am pleased to transmit the 2010 National Drug Control Strategy, a 
blueprint for reducing illicit drug use and its harmful consequences in 
America. I am committed to restoring balance in our efforts to combat 
the drug problems that plague our communities. While I remain steadfast 
in my commitment to continue our strong enforcement efforts, especially 
along the southwest border, I directed the Office of National Drug 
Control Policy to reengage in efforts to prevent drug use and addiction 
and to make treatment available for those who seek recovery. This new, 
balanced approach will expand efforts for the three critical ways that 
we can address the drug problem: prevention, treatment, and law 
enforcement.
  Drug use endangers the health and safety of every American, depletes 
financial and human resources, and deadens the spirit of many of our 
communities. Whether struggling with an addiction, worrying about a 
loved one's substance abuse, or being a victim of drug-related crime, 
millions of people in this country live with the devastating impact of 
illicit drug use every day. This stark reality demands a new direction 
in drug policy--one based on common sense, sound science, and practical 
experience. That is why my new Strategy includes efforts to educate 
young people who are the most at-risk about the dangers of substance 
abuse, allocates unprecedented funding for treatment efforts in 
federally qualified health centers, reinvigorates drug courts and other 
criminal justice innovations, and strengthens our enforcement efforts 
to rid our streets of the drug dealers who infect our communities.
  I am confident that if we take these needed steps, we will make our 
country stronger, our people healthier, and our streets safer. If we 
boost community-based prevention efforts, expand treatment 
opportunities, strengthen law enforcement capabilities, and work 
collaboratively with our global partners, we will reduce drug use and 
its resulting damage.
  While I am proud of the new direction described here, a well-crafted 
strategy is only as successful as its implementation. To succeed, we 
will need to rely on the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of 
every concerned American. I look forward to working with the Congress, 
Federal, State, and local officials, tribal leaders, and citizens 
across the country as we implement this Strategy and make our 
communities better places to live, work, and raise our families.
                                                        Barack Obama.  
The White House, May 11, 2010.

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