CONGRESS AWASH IN SMOKING & BOOZING

From a letter sent by Rep. Peter DeFazio (D., Ore.) to rep. Joe Barton
(R., Tex.).

Dear Joe:

I read with interest your renewed push to subject Members of Congress and
staff to random drug testing.

As I understand your position, you believe that Congress should "provide an
example" by subjecting its Members and staff to intrusive, mandatory drug
tests (paid for with public dollars). I have noted that you do not aledge
that any illegal drug use is ongoing. I further understand that you and
four other Members regularly take tests for drugs that you do not consume.

Perhaps a more productive and cost effective alternative is in order. I
have observed personally the abuse of addictive substances on the floor of
the House in violation of the House rules. I am referring to the frequent
and obnoxious smoking of cigars and cigarettes.

Imagine all those Members puffing away later this year as we consider the
"tobacco settlement." This will certainly raise questions in the minds of
the millions of Americans who view the proceedings on C-SPAN. Simple and
inexpensive enforcement of the House rules could bring this practice to an
abrupt halt.

Also, Congress, especially in late-night sessions, sees the same occasional
alcohol abuse that occurs in other workplaces across the country. If
Congress were to effectively curtail this abuse, we would exceed the modest
goal you have set with your purely suymbolic testing program.

Our electronic voting machines could be equipped with Breathalyzers. Before
casting a vote (say after 8:00 pm) each member would have to breathe into
the machine. Any Member whose blood alcohol level exceeded .08 would be
locked out. This would give Members a strong incentive to keep their legal
drinking within the sobriety limits set by many states for driving.

We could even adopt a motto: Zero Tolerance For VWI (Voting while
Intoxicated). Members would be recorded as "incapable of voting," which
should provide a strong bahavioral incentive for moderation of alcohol
consumption and help restore public confidence in the voting behavior of
the Congress.

Sincerely,
Peter DeFazio

Checked-by: Pat Dolan