November 24, 1970
Page 38648
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, the increase in drug abuse and drug dependence in this country, especially among our young people, is disturbing to all of us.
It is disturbing because drug abuse is not only an important factor in a growing crime problem, but also a threat to the health and lives of its victims.
During this session of Congress, the Senate has enacted strong law enforcement legislation aimed at those who sell drugs – the "pushers." Last week, the Senate passed a bill aimed at educating the general public on the drug problem.
Such action is essential. But it is not enough.
We need to make an earnest commitment to deal with the victims themselves, and with the problems related to the illness of drug dependence.
We have a bill before us today which can insure that such a commitment is begun.
S. 3562, the Federal Drug Abuse and Drug Dependence Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act of 1970, which I have cosponsored, is a forward-looking proposal. It comes at a time when we are increasingly aware that drug dependence is an illness about which we know very little.
To combat this illness, we need to research its causes and effects, and its prevalence. We need to train professionals who are sympathetic with its unique problems. And we need to provide extensive and well-coordinated educational and rehabilitative services for our citizens.
S. 3562 is an act designed to meet these needs.
I commend the Labor and Public Welfare Committee for its action on this bill and urge favorable consideration of S. 3562 by the Senate today.
Finally, I would like to congratulate the distinguished Senator from Iowa, Senator HUGHES, for his outstanding leadership in this field, and for his work in producing this legislation.