Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Tom Riley/Jennifer de Vallance 202–395–6618
December 7, 2001

(Washington, D.C.)—John P. Walters was sworn in this morning as the Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), where he will lead the implementation of the President's comprehensive drug control strategy. President Bush and Director Walters have affirmed the need for a balanced policy, including prevention and expanded access to effective drug treatment.

"Illicit drug use and its consequences exact a tremendous toll on our society," said Walters. "Developing an effective and comprehensive drug control policy is a challenge that is complex and multifaceted. The President and Congress have demonstrated a strong bipartisan commitment to the shared national goal of reducing substance abuse, especially among our youth. I look forward to working closely with leaders and activists from communities throughout the nation and countries around the world on this critical issue. The President shares this commitment and made clear when he nominated me for this position that the drug issue is of foremost concern for the public health and national security of the United States."

Congressional leaders praised the President's selection of Mr. Walters. "This confirmation will add another, much-needed weapon to our arsenal in the war against terrorism," said Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT). "We know that terrorist organizations routinely launder the proceeds from drug trafficking and use the funds to support and expand their operations internationally, including the purchasing and trafficking of illegal weapons."

Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ) said, "I welcome John Walters' confirmation as the nation's drug czar and know he will be a forceful and effective advocate for reducing drug use, particularly among children." Highlighting Mr. Walters' qualifications for the nation's top drug policy post, Senator Kyl also said Walters "has a demonstrated record of support for anti-drug education, treatment, and interdiction." Kyl added, "John Walters is the right man for this difficult job.

Director Walters has a long and accomplished history at ONDCP. As ONDCP's first Chief of Staff, he played a pivotal role in shaping the organization, and was responsible for helping guide the development and implementation of anti-drug programs in all areas. During Mr. Walters' tenure at ONDCP from 1989 to 1993, overall federal spending for drug control programs increased by 61 percent, while spending for treatment programs increased by 98 percent and spending on prevention programs increased 113 percent. By 1992, drug use in the United States reached its lowest levels in the past 23 years.

Mr. Walters has the support of leading members of the prevention and treatment communities, including the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, the National Association of Drug Court Professionals, and the American Methadone Treatment Association. "We will be dealing with a much more enlightened approach, which will include treatment," American Methadone Treatment Association President Mark Parrino said prior to Mr. Walters' confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Arthur T. Dean, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America hailed Walters' confirmation, stating, "Mr. Walters is the right man for the job. He is an experienced leader and his strong record has spoken for itself."

Mr. Walters' extensive experience in drug policy at the Department of Education, ONDCP, and as a leading advocate in the nonprofit sector will benefit all Americans who are affected by the neglect, crime, and death that result from illegal drug use.

"I am anxious to return to ONDCP and implement the President's agenda," said Walters, who for the past five years had been president of the Philanthropy Roundtable. "A successful national drug control strategy must stress effective treatment and prevention programs to reduce the demand for drugs. We must not, however, give up the ground we have made against the cartels, traffickers, and dealers who infest our nation with this deadly poison. My experience teaches one lesson more clearly than any other: when concerned Americans push back on the drug problem, it recedes. Reducing America's demand for drugs will not only benefit our nation, but will also have a positive impact on the health of democracy and freedom in the rest of the world."