Statement on House of
Representatives Approval of Antidrug Legislation
Yesterday
the House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Omnibus Drug Initiative Act
of 1988 by a vote of 375 to 30. The overwhelming vote in favor of the
legislation reflects the strong commitment of the American people to ridding
our society of illegal drugs. We urge the Senate to act swiftly on the
legislation.
The
House bill contains provisions that will strengthen substantially our ability
to detect, try, and punish those who are engaged in drug trafficking and
related criminal conduct. Under the House bill, drug kingpins and those who are
responsible for drug-related deaths will themselves face the death penalty. The
bill will also significantly improve the search for truth in the criminal
justice system by revising the so-called exclusionary rule that in some
circumstances keeps evidence seized in good faith by police officers from being
used in court against criminals such as drug offenders. Among the bill's most
important provisions are those holding drug users accountable for their drug
abuse. The American people have zero tolerance for illegal drugs.
If
the Senate will act swiftly on the drug bill, we can enact this year a bill
that will give us the tools to achieve the drug-free