GOP MAKES DRUG WAR CONGRESS' TOP PRIORITY

POLITICS: Gingrich announces a program aimed at abusers and traffickers.

WASHINGTON- Saying the war on drugs will be the highest priority of the
Republican-led Congress, House Speaker Newt Gingrich led a GOP rally
Thursday outlining a broad legislative agenda to reduce illegal use.

In the next several months, Republican leaders announced, they will bring to
the floor bills to double border patrol guards, link foreign aid to
drug-fighting efforts, increase penalties for methamphetamine traffickers
and money launderers and restrict loan eligibility for students convicted of
drug possession.

Gingrich told a room packed with lawmakers, youngsters and representatives
of anti-drug groups that he would call on the House Appropriations Committee
to make anti-drug money their first priority. "We will cut any other program
we have to cut" to focus on the goal of beginning to win the war on drugs by
2002.

Lawmakers wore blue ribbons, the symbol of their campaign, and lined up to
sign a declaration committing to work for a drug-free nation.

Democrats, who did not participate in the task force putting together the
package, accused Republicans of being more interested in scoring
election-year political points than working together to combat drugs.

But Barry McCaffrey, the White House drug policy chief, told the Associated
Press he was "surprised and pleased" at what tone and positive energy that
came out of the GOP rally.

"They want an acceleration in our own timetable," he said. "We will consider
their ideas carefully."

President Clinton in February outlined the administration's plan to cut
illegal drug use in half over the next decade by expanding anti-drug
coalitions, increasing police and border guards, improving treatment
programs and other measures also included in the Republican plan.

Also among the proposed Republican ideas:

Doubling to $20 million the annual budget to help local groups reduce
teen-age drug abuse.

Grants to implement drug-free workplace programs.

Building more fences and doubling guards along the Mexican border.

Providing U.S. assistance for foreign drug-eradication programs and linking
aid to drug-fighting efforts.

Life imprisonment for trafficking in speed, or methamphetamine.