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.