Pubdate: Thu, 06 Dec 2001
Source: Reuters (Wire)
Copyright: 2001 Reuters Limited
Author:  Thomas Ferraro

US SENATE CONFIRMS WALTERS AS 'DRUG CZAR'

The Democratic-led US Senate on Wednesday confirmed the final member of 
President George W. Bush's cabinet--John Walters as the director of the 
Office of National Drug Control Policy.

After an undisclosed number of Democratic senators lifted private "holds" 
on the nomination, the Senate approved Walters with a unanimous consent 
agreement.

Walters had come under fire since Bush nominated him 6 months ago because 
of some past statements and writings.

They ranged from questioning the effectiveness of drug treatment to 
challenging the need for federal support of drug-abuse prevention to 
dismissing as an "urban myth" the belief that the criminal justice system 
has a racial bias.

But the Senate Judiciary Committee, which held a confirmation hearing on 
Walters, approved the nomination on Nov. 8 on a vote of 14-5.

Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy of Vermont was among five 
Democrats who voted against Walters. Five other Democrats joined nine 
Republicans in voting for him.

Proponents noted Walters had the confidence of the president as well as the 
experience, having served in the drug control policy office from 1989 to 
1992 during the administration of the president's father, President George 
Bush.

They also pointed out that during Walters' tenure, illegal narcotic use 
declined in the United States and spending on drug treatment increased, 
though largely at the urging of Congress.

Walters served in the office of drug control policy--first as chief of 
staff, then as acting director and finally as deputy director for supply 
reduction.

Leahy has vowed to monitor Walters' new reign as head of the office to make 
sure he keeps a recent promise to provide a balanced approach that mixes 
law enforcement with education and treatment.

Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah, ranking Republican on the Judiciary Committee, 
said in a statement following confirmation, "Mr. Walters will begin his 
tenure as 'drug czar' at a very precarious time, but I know he is the right 
person for this challenge."

"Mr. Walters is eminently qualified...(and) I am confident that he will be 
a first-rate director," Hatch said.

While Walters has plenty of support in the drug-fighting community, a 
number of treatment officials opposed him, including former first lady 
Betty Ford, who founded a drug and alcohol treatment facility.

Since the Judiciary Committee sent Walters' nomination to the Senate, a 
number of Democrats had "holds" on it, a leadership aide said on Wednesday.

They lifted these holds as the White House cranked up pressure on the 
Senate to approve Walters and finally fill out its Cabinet.

Since 1996, Walters has served as president of the Philanthropy Roundtable, 
working with charitable organizations, including ones involved in drug 
abuse prevention and treatment.
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