June, 1998

HALFWAY HOUSE

From a letter sent in February by Representative Peter DeFazio (D., Ore.) to Representative Joe Barton (R., Tex.).

Dear Joe:

I read with interest your renewed push to subject Members of Congress and staff to random drug testing.

As I understand your position, you believe that Congress should "provide an example" by subjecting its Members and staff to intrusive, mandatory drug tests (paid for with public dollars). I have noted that you do not allege that any illegal drug use is ongoing. I further understand that you and four other Members regularly take tests for drugs that you do not consume.

Perhaps a more productive and cost-effective alternative is in order. I have observed personally the abuse of addictive substances on the floor of the House in violation of the House rules. I am referring to the frequent and obnoxious smoking of cigars and cigarettes. Imagine all those Members puffing away later this year as we consider the "tobacco settlement." This will certainly raise questions in the minds of the millions of Americans who view the proceedings on C-SPAN. Simple and inexpensive enforcement of the House rules could bring this practice to an abrupt halt.

Also, Congress, especially in late-night sessions, sees the same occasional alcohol abuse that occurs in other workplaces across the country. If Congress were to effectively curtail this abuse, we would exceed the modest goal you have set with your purely symbolic testing program.

Our electronic voting machines could be equipped with Breathalyzers. Before casting a vote (say after 8:00 P.M.) each member would have to breathe into the machine. Any Member whose blood-alcohol level exceeded .08 would be locked out. This would give Members a strong incentive to keep their legal drinking within the sobriety limits set by many states for driving. We could even adopt a motto: ZERO TOLERANCE FOR VWI (Voting While Intoxicated). Members would be recorded as "incapable of voting," which should provide a strong behavioral incentive for moderation of alcohol consumption and help restore public confidence in the voting behavior of the Congress.