Jon Kyl: “while many parts of this bill concern me, the part that I am very proud of is a provision known as the Drug-Free…”

“while many parts of this bill concern me, the part that I am very proud of is a provision known as the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1998. It has been my pleasure to have worked with Senator Coverdell and I commend him for guiding the drug-free workplace bill through the Small Business Committee with a unanimous bipartisan vote. I would also like to thank Representatives Portman, Bishop, and Souder for their work in passing this important anti-drug legislation out of the House. The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1998 is an excellent example of how the federal government can work to encourage drug-free workplaces without placing heavy-handed mandates on businesses. It fosters partnerships between small businesses and organizations which have at least two years experience in carrying out drug-free workplace programs. It also will educate and encourage small businesses about the advantages of implementing drug-free workplace programs. Small businesses often feel they lack the money or the expertise to implement drug testing programs. That is why the drug-free workplace bill performs such a worthwhile function. Many small firms would like to start drug testing programs but don't have the ability to overcome the start up costs. This anti-drug measure provides resources to assist and educate employers who want the help in implementing drug-free workplace programs.”