On the recordMarch 29, 2000
This truly is a defining moment in a 30-year effort to fight illegal drug use in America. We can continue down the road of a failed policy by spending another $1.7 billion for more eradication, more interdiction efforts that have been proven futile, that have been proven not to work; or we can prioritize treatment for addiction, which has been proven cost effective in study after study, in addict after addict, in alcoholic after alcoholic lucky enough to be treated. This is not a political issue, my colleagues. This is a life or death issue for five and a half million addicts in America who need treatment and cannot get it today. This amendment is also fiscally responsible. Let us save the taxpayers $1.7 billion. Let us begin the process of reordering our priorities in the war against drugs. I urge a 'yes' vote to delete funding for the Colombia boondoggle.
Source
govinfo.gov
