[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 57 (Thursday, April 19, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2543-S2544]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               2012 NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL STRATEGY--PM 46

  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 2012 National Drug Control Strategy, 
which follows through on the commitment made by my Administration to 
chart a new course in our efforts to reduce illicit drug use and its 
consequences in the United States. The balanced approach outlined in 
the Administration's inaugural National Drug Control Strategy has 
yielded significant results, which are detailed in the following pages.
  Our Nation still faces serious drug-related challenges, however. Too 
many Americans need treatment for substance use disorders but do not 
receive

[[Page S2544]]

it. Prescription drug abuse continues to claim American lives, and 
those who take drugs and drive threaten safety on our Nation's 
roadways. Young people's perceptions of the risks of drug use have 
declined over the past decade, and research suggests that this often 
predicts future increases in drug use. There is still much left to do 
to reform our justice system and break the cycle of drug use and crime. 
Our commitment to work with partner nations must remain steadfast to 
reduce drug production, trafficking, and related transnational threats.
  Based upon the progress we have achieved over the past three years, I 
am confident we can address these challenges through concerted action 
along the entire spectrum of prevention, early intervention, treatment, 
recovery support, criminal justice reform, law enforcement, and 
international cooperation. However, we must match our commitment with 
the appropriate resources.
  Illicit drug use in America contributed to an estimated $193 billion 
in crime, health, and lost productivity costs in 2007, the year for 
which the most recent estimate is available. In today's challenging 
economic environment, we cannot afford such a drain on our economy and 
public resources. While difficult budget decisions must be made at all 
levels of government, we must ensure continued support for policies and 
programs that reduce drug use and its enormous costs to American 
society. In doing so, we will not only strengthen our economy but also 
sustain the national character and spirit that has made the United 
States a world leader.
  I look forward to continuing to work with the Congress and Federal, 
state, local, tribal, and territorial leaders, international partners, 
and the American people in this important endeavor.

                                                        Barack Obama.  
The White House, April 19, 2012.

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