Sober Truth On Preventing Underage Drinking Act

SOBER TRUTH ON PREVENTING UNDERAGE DRINKING ACT -- (House of Representatives - December 07, 2006)

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Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise in support of H.R. 864, the Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act, the STOP Act. The STOP Act is being reintroduced today with technical changes to further clarify the intent of this important legislation. When originally brought to the House floor on November 14 of this year, H.R. 864 passed by a vote of 373-23.

Underage drinking is a major public health concern in communities throughout our Nation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated that annually there are over 142,000 emergency room visits by youth, ages 12 to 20, for unintentional injuries and other health-related concerns caused by alcohol consumption. H.R. 864 is a great start in moving our Nation toward the goal of decreasing youth access to, and consumption of, alcohol.

This bill authorizes coalitions on the issue of underage drinking, funds national media campaigns about the dangers of underage drinking, and creates grant programs for preventing and reducing alcohol abuse in institutions of higher education and surrounding communities.

The STOP Act has the endorsement of key public health advocates, as well as the alcohol beverage industry. Both endorse this legislation on the basis that it recognizes that a multifaceted national effort is key to making progress in curbing underage alcohol consumption.

The issue of underage drinking deserves our immediate consideration and support. So I urge my colleagues to support this bill for a second time.

But I particularly want to thank Congresswoman Roybal-Allard and the other lead sponsors of this bill, and I know she is here to speak.

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