Paul Coverdell: “I have been exceedingly critical of the reduction of an investment in drug interdiction. I have been critical of the…”

“I have been exceedingly critical of the reduction of an investment in drug interdiction. I have been critical of the reduction of our resources available for international narcotics law enforcement. I have been critical of the fact that the drug czar's office was virtually closed. I have been critical of the fact that the message coming from the White House has been less than clear to the young people of our country on how dangerous drugs are to them. I find myself tonight in the unusual circumstance of defending President Clinton's policy for his 1997 budget request for international narcotics and law enforcement. Mr. President, President Clinton requested that $213 million be appropriated for international narcotics and law enforcement. That figure is only half what the investment in this arena was in 1992, which is just another example of the downsizing of the drug role. But unfortunately, the House bill only appropriates $150 million in international narcotics and law enforcement, and the Senate, as we have it before the floor, is $160 million. The purpose of my amendment will be to restore the President's request, to honor the President's request.”