[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 66 (Thursday, April 20, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H1898-H1899]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING NATIONAL ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH

  (Ms. PLASKETT asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. PLASKETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National 
Alcohol Awareness Month.
  This Nation is in the midst of a war for the protection and longevity 
of our children. We have found ourselves battling epidemics at an 
unprecedented magnitude, many of which are plaguing our youth: 
violence, suicide, mental health, and, most notably, substance abuse.

[[Page H1899]]

  Alcohol use among youth is more prevalent than tobacco or illicit 
drugs. The dangers of underage drinking are significant, as they can 
drastically increase the likelihood of alcohol dependency later in 
life, cause a decline in academic performance, and increase engagement 
in harmful behaviors such as the use of other drugs and impaired 
driving.
  In addition to the adverse mental health effects, it puts children 
and young adults in jeopardy of developing health risks that negatively 
affect the brain, liver, and endocrine system.
  We have already lost too many young lives by not taking necessary 
protective measures. Research shows that a lifetime of conversations 
between parents and their children can prevent underage drinking. Let's 
all do our part to protect our children.

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