Cord Byrd: “of the funds appropriated for law enforcement grants in the bill before us, my amendment would ensure that $25 million…”

“of the funds appropriated for law enforcement grants in the bill before us, my amendment would ensure that $25 million would be provided for grants to states for programs and activities to enforce state laws regarding youth access to alcohol. This amendment adds no money to the bill and needs no offset. All states prohibit the sale of alcoholic beverages to minors. In addition, there are a range of other laws regarding youth access to alcohol that states may have on the books. For instance, some states, in addition to prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverage to minors, have laws prohibiting the consumption of alcoholic beverages by minors, and still others ban possession of alcoholic beverages by minors. Mr. President, just today in The Washington Post there is an article regarding a sting operation in Arlington County in establishments that sell alcohol to minors. According to the officer in charge of the operation, minors purchased alcoholic beverages without any kind of I.D. check in 57 percent of the establishments visited. This is a disgrace, Mr. President, and, I am afraid, a not uncommon occurrence.”