Andrea Seastrand: “a month after taking office, President Clinton eliminated 83 percent of the staff at the Office of National Drug Policy.…”

“a month after taking office, President Clinton eliminated 83 percent of the staff at the Office of National Drug Policy. Now, in an apparent campaign year move, the President announced he is doing a complete about-face and will increase staff in that office. Even though he is 3 years late, I'm glad the President has finally recognized the importance of a strong national drug office. But let us look at what has happened in the years that the President sat on the sidelines and watched the drug world go by. Drug use among teens has skyrocketed. According to the household survey on drug use, marijuana use by 12- to 17-year-olds has gone from 1.6 million in 1992 to 2.9 million in 1994. The survey also found a 137-percent increase in marijuana use among 12- to 13-year-olds. Mr. Speaker, actions speak louder than words. President Clinton may be saying a lot now that he is on the campaign trail, but his actions show he has failed in the war on drugs.”