Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to adopt an amendment to the Tobacco Settlement bill (S 1415) that provides $9.74 billion for programs to reduce the importation, sale and use of illegal drugs.

Highlights:

• Stipulates punishments for violent crimes committed along the United States border, including 10 years of imprisonment for inflicting bodily harm and life imprisonment or the death sentence if violent behavior results in death.

• Authorizes the border patrol to interdict in the importation of illegal narcotics.

• Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to include provisions temporarily suspending grant, loan or work assistance eligibility for those convicted of drug related offenses.

• Expresses the sense of congress that States should offer financial incentives to businesses to establish drug-free workplace programs.

• Bans the use of funds for distribution of free needles for drug addicts.

• Calls on the President to submit a National Drug Control Strategy to Congress outlining a comprehensive two year plan to reduce drug abuse and its consequences over 2 years.

• $500 million per year for FY1999 to 2003 for the United States Customs Service to oversee border ports of entry.

• $470 million per year for FY1999 to 2003 for the Department of Defense to expand activities to stop the flow of illegal drugs into the United States.

• $400 million per year for FY1999 to 2003 for the United States Coast Guard to expand activities to stop illegal drugs from entering the United States.

• $300 million per year for FY1999 to 2003 for the Drug Enforcement Administration to disrupt and dismantle organizations that traffic drugs.

• $200 million per year for FY1999 to 2003 for the Federal Bureau of Investigation to increase its investigative and intelligence gathering capabilities relating to illegal drugs.

• $10 million per year for FY1999 to 2003 for the Drug Free Teenage Drivers Act, which calls for voluntary drug testing for teenage drivers license applicants and grants to help States improve their laws related to controlled substances and driving.

• $10 million per year for FY1999 to 2003, to be appropriated from the National Tobacco Settlement Trust Fund, in grants to States and educational agencies for innovative programs improving elementary and secondary school safety.

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text