Jasper Packard: “I am appalled by the increase in drug-use in this nation. Day after day, we are confronted with statistics demonstrating…”

“I am appalled by the increase in drug-use in this nation. Day after day, we are confronted with statistics demonstrating that our children are at risk. We've all heard the facts: marijuana use among 4th to 6th graders has risen 71 percent and overall drug use has jumped to 78 percent since 1992. We can quote the numbers, but the real issue is what are we going to do about it? Recently, the Clinton administration aired its decision to lift a ban that prohibits the distribution of hypodermic needles to drug addicts at Government expense. Condoning needle-exchange programs ultimately sends the message that it's okay for our children to use drugs. As a parent who raised 7 children. I know the war on drugs must be fought from our homes and communities. But as elected leader, we are still obligated to help our neighborhoods attack this problem. Distributing needles encourages drug use, and I will not stand for it. Today we will vote on H.R. 3717, the Needle Ban-Plus Bill. This legislation prohibits the Federal Government from subsidizing the distribution of hypodermic needles or syringes for the injection of illegal drugs. Mr. Speaker, let's demonstrate our commitment to winning this battle. I invite my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 3717.”