7/6/96
PRESS RELEASE

STATEMENT BY JOE LOCKHART
NATIONAL PRESS SECRETARY

We are delighted that Senator Bob Dole today endorsed key provisions of President Clinton's juvenile justice proposal. The Dole/Gingrich Congress received the legislation this spring but chose to take no action on it (The Anti-Gang and Youth Violence Act).

Once again, citizen Dole's rhetoric does not match the record of Senator Bob Dole.

Senator Dole had a chance to ban assault weapons and make sure convicted felons were barred from purchasing handguns. When faced with promoting our national interests or promoting special interests, Senator Dole sided with the National Rifle Association.

Senator Dole had a chance to put 100,000 more cops on the street. Rather than support police on the beat, Senator Dole chose to filibuster and vote no.

Senator Dole had a chance to promote safe and drug free schools and institute a policy of zero tolerance on teenagers who bring guns into schools. Senator Dole voted no again.

Finally, if Bob Dole is genuinely concerned about America's youth, he will reconsider his position on tobacco. Bob Dole needs to send a clear message to teenagers in America that cigarette smoking is addictive and deadly. Comparing the dangers of smoking to drinking a glass of milk may serve the special interests, but not the interests of American families.

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