[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9759]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING INDUSTRY EFFORTS TO FIGHT UNDERAGE DRINKING

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                          HON. JOHN A. BOEHNER

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 17, 2004

  Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during prom and graduation 
season to recognize The Century Council and the distilled spirits 
industry for their efforts to fight underage drinking this month and 
throughout the year.
  As we focus on public health and safety issues during prom and 
graduation season, we must pay close attention to the challenges facing 
our nation's youth. While many youth under the age of 21 obey the 
minimum drinking age law and do not drink, other youth unfortunately 
make irresponsible decisions about beverage alcohol. The consequences 
can be tragic. In addition to countless non-fatal injuries, statistics 
from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show there were 
516 alcohol-related traffic fatalities among youths under the age of 21 
in May and June 2002.
  The Century Council, funded by America's leading distillers to fight 
drunk driving and underage drinking, is kicking off its fifth annual 
National Prom and Graduation Safety Months Initiative consisting of a 
series of initiatives aimed at educating students, parents, educators 
and lawmakers throughout the upcoming months. This includes the 
nationwide distribution of prom and graduation safety kits and 
gubernatorial proclamations in more than 30 states.
  The Council's programs have been implemented across the country in 
numerous public/private partnerships to educate parents, educators, 
youth, lawmakers, law enforcement, and community groups about the 
problem of underage drinking. The Council's programs are developed by 
experts to provide the public with educational tools and programs aimed 
at reducing underage drinking.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join more than 30 governors from across 
the nation who have recognized the efforts of The Century Council in 
declaring May and June Prom and Graduation Safety Months.

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