    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [March 31, 1998]
    [Page 481]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 481]]

    Letter to House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman
    Bud Shuster on Legislation To Establish a Uniform Blood Alcohol
    Content Standard To Combat Drunk Driving
    March 31, 1998

    Dear Mr. Chairman:
        On March 28, 1998, I sent a letter to the Leadership addressing my
    concerns regarding H.R. 2400, the Building Efficient Surface
    Transportation and Equity Act of 1998. As the House prepares to consider
    this bill, it is my hope that the Lowey-Canady .08 provision be adopted.
        As the crime rate continues to drop nationwide, we still lose an
    American to drunk driving every thirty minutes--every half hour a family
    is shattered and a child, parent or neighbor is lost forever. Setting a
    uniform limit for impaired driving at .08 blood alcohol content will
    help us crack down on the drunk driving epidemic and put a stop to these
    needless deaths. In addition, a uniform standard will still allow adults
    to drink responsibly.
        This should not be a partisan issue, but rather an opportunity for
    the House to act in a bipartisan fashion to save lives and serve
    America. I look forward to continuing to work together to make the .08
    standard a reality.
            Sincerely,

                                                          William J. Clinton

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this letter.