[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 7 (Wednesday, January 11, 2017)]
[Senate]
[Pages S273-S274]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE

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                2016 NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL STRATEGY--PM1

  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:

[[Page S274]]

  I am pleased to transmit the 2016 National Drug Control Strategy 
summarizing the accomplishments of my Administration's 21st century 
approach to drug policy and opportunities to continue to reduce the 
burden of substance use in the United States. My Administration 
released its first Strategy in 2010 with a commitment to use the best 
available science and to consult broadly to develop a balanced and 
comprehensive approach to drug policy that incorporates both public 
health and public safety approaches to address this complex problem.
  We set aggressive goals to reduce drug use by 2015 and though the 
results of our efforts are mixed, we have seen progress in reducing 
drug use and in cooperation both nationally and internationally. As a 
Nation we exceeded our goals for reducing alcohol and tobacco use among 
youth and for reducing the number of new HIV infections attributable to 
drug use. We have been less successful in reducing illicit drugs in 
youth and young adults as well as reducing the number of drug-induced 
deaths and driving while drugged. We also face serious challenges 
including an epidemic of opioid use and overdose deaths as well as 
growing threats from drug trafficking organizations involved in 
manufacturing and distributing cocaine and synthetic drugs, including 
novel psychoactive substances. These threats may continue to have an 
impact on drug use across lifespans, particularly chronic drug use and 
its consequences that contribute to poor academic performance, crime, 
underemployment, lost productivity, and health care costs, all of which 
threaten families and communities.
  My Administration has consistently sought a broad coalition of 
partners to provide input into the development and enhancement of the 
Strategy during the past 7 years. We have invested in science to better 
understand the nature of addiction and inform the prevention and 
treatment of addiction and support services to help maintain recovery 
in the community. We have sought to use medical terms and non-
stigmatizing language when discussing substance use disorders, and 
those who suffer from this disease. Our support for law enforcement has 
led to significant outcomes in taking down drug trafficking 
organizations and removing millions of pounds of drugs from the market. 
And our work with our international partners has been instrumental in 
our allies' increasing regulation of chemical precursors to synthetic 
drugs and reducing their movement across the globe. Throughout my 
Administration, we have used the best available evidence to balance the 
Nations's public health and public safety and drive collaborative 
efforts to create healthier, safer, and more prosperous communities.
  The Nation's work in reducing drug use and its consequences is not 
done and there are many opportunities for advancing efforts to address 
ongoing and emerging challenges. I thank the Congress for its continued 
support of our efforts and ask that you continue to support this vital 
endeavor.
                                                        Barack Obama.  
The White House, January 11, 2017.

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