LAWMAKERS CALL FOR MANDATORY DRUG TESTING IN HOUSE

WASHINGTON (AP) -- All 435 House members and many on their staffs would be
tested for drug use under a bill introduced Thursday by two Republicans.

Reps. Gerald Solomon of New York and Joe Barton of Texas say there's no
evidence of illegal drug use among their colleagues, but they believe
random testing would send a good message.

``Over half of all American workers are subject to some sort of drug
testing, and when you do have drug testing, one thing that's true in every
case is illegal drug use goes down,'' Barton said.

If passed, the bill would become a House rule and would not apply to the
Senate. House Republicans tried to pass a similar measure about two years
ago but were blocked by the Democrats.

The outcome of the lawmakers' drug tests would be published every two years.

Solomon said he believes Congress should impose drug testing to set an
``unmistakable example'' and show that lawmakers are serious about fighting
drug abuse.

``Illegal drug use in America is so, so serious,'' said Solomon. ``It is
literally threatening another generation of Americans.''

Several members of Congress said privately they think the measure is
insulting and unnecessary, but said they'll probably vote for it
nonetheless for political reasons.

Minority Leader Richard Gephardt, D-Mo., has opposed mandatory drug testing
in the past and will continue to do so.

``Members are free to test themselves and their staffs at any time and
several offices have already instituted their own policies,'' said Gephardt
spokesman Erik Smith. ``Mr. Gephardt doesn't think a sweeping mandate
should be placed on the House.''

Members of Congress who failed drug tests could not be fired from the
House, but the results would be made available to voters and offenders
would be referred to the Ethics Committee.

Members would not be tested for alcohol abuse.

``I believe you can tell when a person is intoxicated. They have a smell
about them,'' said Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, a cosponsor of the measure.
``With drugs you cannot tell.''

Checked-by: (Joel W. Johnson)