Political Quotes

“The purpose of the bill we are introducing today is to help the incoming Bush administration in its efforts to strengthen international cooperation in combating international drug trafficking and drug-related crimes. As you know, the issue of how best to construct and implement an effective international counter narcotics policy has been the subject of much debate in this Chamber over the years, and I would add much disagreement. Our intention in introducing this legislation is to try to see if there is some way to end what has become a stale annual debate that has not brought us any closer to mounting a credible effort to eliminate or even contain the international drug mafia. We all can agree that drugs are a problem--a big problem. We can agree as well that the international drug trade poses a direct threat to the United States and to international efforts to promote democracy, economic stability, human rights, and the rule of law throughout the world, but most especially in our own hemisphere. While the international impact is serious and of great concern, of even greater concern to me personally are effects it is having here at home. Last year Americans spent more than $60 billion to purchase illegal drugs.”