Statement on the Fiscal
Year 1989 Appropriations Bills and Antidrug Legislation
The
100th Congress is drawing rapidly to a close. I hope to receive from the
Congress the remaining fiscal year 1989 appropriations bills no later than
tomorrow, when the current fiscal year ends.
A
legislative agenda item of extreme importance to the well-being of the Nation
remains unenacted: a bill to strengthen our ability
to combat the production, trafficking, and use of illegal drugs.
On
September 22, the House of Representatives passed a bill containing a number of
essential provisions. Of particular importance, the House-passed bill permits
the Federal death penalty for drug-related murders, significantly improves the
search for truth in the criminal justice system by reforming the exclusionary
rule, establishes requirements for drug free-workplaces, and increases the
accountability of drug users to society for their drug abuse.
The
Senate has not scheduled drug legislation for consideration. I strongly urge
the Senate to schedule the drug bill for consideration forthwith to ensure that
effective legislation to combat illegal drugs is enacted before Congress
adjourns. The health and safety of Americans depends upon it.