Bill Delahunt: “There are plenty of needles within 1000 feet of schools, housing projects and playgrounds. Unfortunately, they are dirty…”

“There are plenty of needles within 1000 feet of schools, housing projects and playgrounds. Unfortunately, they are dirty needles and their use is spreading AIDS and promoting drug abuse, but this amendment will do nothing, nothing to change that tragic reality. We are really kidding ourselves if we believe we can stop drug abuse by banning one of the few public health measures that actually makes a difference in the real world. When I was prosecuting and putting people in jail for drug use, for drug trafficking, I supported local needle exchange efforts because they work. They do not encourage drug abuse, and they do save lives by halting AIDS and other serious diseases transmitted by dirty needles. Serious problems demand serious solutions. Reject this amendment.”