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Article: Q: Are new congressional efforts to curb underage drinking on the right track? YES: Illegal underage drinking is a national health crisis, and Congress must enact a national strategy to fight it effectively.(SYMPOSIUM)
- Article from:
- Insight on the News
- Article date:
- October 27, 2003
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 News World Communications, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Byline: Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, SPECIAL TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES
My prior work for alcohol and drug programs has made me acutely aware of the terrible effects alcohol dependence has on individuals, families and particularly children. For that reason, I have had a longstanding interest in addressing underage drinking. In spite of the fact that drinking under the age of 21 is illegal in all 50 states, more than 10 million kids in the United States consume alcohol illegally. In the last two weeks, the average high-school senior has had five drinks.
Just kids being kids?
Perhaps many think so. But the truth is underage drinking is causing ...