KLINE RESPONDS

I would like to commend your July 20 editorial on the importance of
providing education and treatment for drug offenders.

I agree that a goal-oriented life is an excellent shield against an
addiction relapse. That is why legislation passed in the House
Education and the Workforce Committee provides college students with
incentives to avoid drug use and to seek help and treatment if they do
become involved in the use of illegal drugs.

Under current federal law, any college student convicted of illegal
drug use is barred from receiving federal student aid. The legislation
we passed would amend this law, repealing the ban entirely for those
students whose convictions occurred prior to enrollment in
postsecondary education. This ensures no student who has learned from
their previous mistake and is making responsible choices will be
denied financial assistance because of a previous drug-related conviction.

Our legislation provides assistance for students who are convicted of
illegal drug use while receiving federal student aid. Far from being
"yanked from school" as your editorial states, we have amended the law
to allow those students who seek help and treatment to regain their
financial aid.

This legislation is the result of a compromise I have championed since
first confronted with this issue more than two years ago during my
first days in Congress. Rehabilitation and reform should be
encouraged, but students who break the law must be held accountable
for their actions. By offering an incentive for students to seek help,
we provide the opportunity for the goal-oriented life that benefits
all students.

Rep. John Kline

Washington, D.C.