    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 35 (Monday, September 4, 2000)]
    [Page 1987]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Statement on the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse

    August 31, 2000

        Today's 1999 National Household Survey demonstrates that we are
    continuing to move in the right direction on the problem of youth drug
    and tobacco use in America. The report released by Department of Health
    and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala and Office of National Drug
    Control Policy Director Barry McCaffrey shows that last year illicit
    drug use by young people ages 12-17 declined for the third year in a
    row. Since 1997, overall youth drug use is down by more than 20 percent,
    and youth marijuana use has declined by over 25 percent. In addition,
    while today's report shows underage alcohol use is still at unacceptable
    levels, it also shows that tobacco use among young people is beginning
    to decline significantly, following a period of increases earlier in the
    1990's.
        These findings prove that we are successfully reversing dangerous
    trends and making important progress. However, none of us can afford to
    let down our guard in the fight against drug, tobacco, and alcohol
    abuse--especially when it comes to our children. While we must continue
    to engage communities, parents, teachers, and young people in our
    efforts to drive youth drug and tobacco use down to even lower levels,
    Congress must also play an important role.
        When Congress returns to Washington, I urge them to build on our
    success by fully funding my administration's substance abuse prevention
    and treatment initiatives, including the Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign,
    which is sending a powerful message to young people across the nation
    about the dangers of drugs. Congress should also join Vice President
    Gore and me in making the health of our children a priority by rejecting
    the interests of big tobacco and letting the American taxpayers have
    their day in court. Working together, we can give our children healthy
    drug- and tobacco-free futures.