Drug Ban Put in Youth Funds Bill
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WASHINGTON — Members of the House, caught up in an increasingly partisan war against drugs, clashed Wednesday over an anti-narcotics provision attached to legislation authorizing funds for juvenile justice programs.
Both Democrats and Republicans made a “drug-free workplace” a new condition for applicants seeking juvenile justice funds, but they engaged in an angry debate over which side was more “serious” about reducing narcotics abuse.
In the end, both sides agreed on a compromise anti-drug provision and approved the legislation, which reauthorizes existing juvenile justice programs. In addition, the bill, which now goes to the Senate, provides $10 million in new funds to combat youth-gang problems as well as $5 million to provide transitional housing for homeless adolescents.
The final vote on the bill was 377 to 5.
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