It is estimated that more than half of them are not receiving any treatment. We want to advance our understanding of drug abuse and addiction, so we're planning to significantly increase funding for the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. We also recognize the benefits of coerced abstinence, and so we will support drug courts and drug testing for prisoners, probationers and parolees. We know that inmates receiving drug treatment are 73 percent less likely to be re-arrested, and 44 percent less likely to use drugs than those who receive no treatment at all. I'm, therefore, asking the Attorney General, John Ashcroft, to come up with a comprehensive plan within 120 days to ensure our federal prisons are drug-free, to expand drug testing for probationers and parolees, and to strengthen our system of drug courts around the nation.
Illegal drugs are the enemies of innocence and ambition and hope.
They undermine people's commitment to their family and to their fellow citizens. My administration will send a clear and consistent message that drug use is dangerous and drug use is wrong. John Walters will lead that effort with firm resolve and a caring heart. He will do an exceptional job. I am proud to submit his name to the United States Senate, and I look forward to working with members of the House and the Senate from both political parties to reduce drug use in America.