Nancy Pelosi: “Mr. Speaker, I believe that public health policy ought to be driven by science, by concern by human life, not by…”

“Mr. Speaker, I believe that public health policy ought to be driven by science, by concern by human life, not by ideology and politics. Extensive studies of needle exchange programs, such as the one in the City of New Haven which I represent, have documented that needle exchange programs do not increase drug use. They do save lives. Do not take my word for it. Yale University's study of the New Haven needle exchange program found that it reduced transmission of HIV per capita by 33 percent each year. In fact, New Haven Chief of Police Melvin Waring and New Haven Mayor John DeStefano believe that the needle exchange program has made New Haven, Connecticut a safer community. I have a letter from the chief of police and from the mayor which I will include in the Record, where they write, ``Needle exchange has contributed greatly to public health and public safety. Our police officers are grateful for the needle exchange programs.''”