Pete Domenici: “Consequently, Federal drug prosecutions dropped 12 percent in the first 2 years of the Clinton administration. From 1992…”

“Consequently, Federal drug prosecutions dropped 12 percent in the first 2 years of the Clinton administration. From 1992 to 1995, 227 agent positions were eliminated from the DEA. And President Clinton's 1995 budget proposed cutting 621 enforcement positions for DEA, FBI, INS, and Customs. Fortunately, in the Subcommittee of Appropriations which I was privileged to serve on, we restored most of these positions. The Clinton administration also has shifted funding priorities away from drug interdiction to treatment of hardcore users. The President asked for an increase, but gave no specifics about what to do with the money. I have some specifics. Reintroduce the drug education program for our youth that was developed in the 1980's. Programs like 'just say no' had a visible impact on reducing drug use. Adopt a policy of treating violent juvenile offenders in the same manner as we treat violent adult offenders. The current system fosters a lack of respect for law and the courts and encourages the commission of more crimes by more juveniles. We are reluctant to hold them accountable.”