Speech #990246277

A new criminal offense is authorized for those who launder funds with penalties up to 20 years and fines as high as $250.000 or twice the amount of the transaction. To strengthen the legal system enforcing these penalties. the bill adds $1.3 billion for additional Federal prisons over the next 3 years and provides for $125 million to State and local law enforcement agencies for drug enforcement activities. In addition. the legislation directs the President to provide for five military sites which can be used to detain felons. especially those who are a Federal resonsibility such as illegal alien felons and major drug traffickers. The Democrats double the amount of Federal dollars for interdiction programs by the Customs Service. Coast Guard and other armed services. Included in the expanded efforts are a new United StatesBahamian Drug Task Force. an all source intelligence center to provide information to all drug enforcement agencies. support under DOD for two longrange surveillance aircraft in the Caribbean and authority for DOD to loan equipment to drug enforcement agencies. The State Departments International Narcotics Matter Bureau is provided with additional funds for eradication and a new buffer fund of $35 million for use in narcotics control upon submission of a plan by the President. In addition. the bill tightens immigration processing of suspected drug traffickers and requires a information system for U.S. Embassies to use in denying visas to such persons. The bill recognizes the inadequacies of the existing $3 million program in drug education and commits $150 million for new education programs with a $125 million grant program for States and local districts which develop a K12 comprehensive drug program and $25 million for five regional centers to provide necessary training and education of school administrators and teachers. The Secretary of Education is directed to provide all school districts by October 6 withy information on drug abuse with a special emphasis on crack and its lethal nature and potential harm for children whom drug dealers prey on as customers and dealers.