A resolution supporting the goals of Red Ribbon Week.

I rise today in support of a resolution that commemorates the annual ``Red Ribbon Week.'' I am pleased to have Mr. Grassley, Mr. Biden, Mr. Talent, Mrs. Dole, Mr. Stevens, Mr. Dominici, and Mr. Chambliss join me in introducing this resolution. The purpose of Red Ribbon Week is to educate and advocate a commitment to a drug- free lifestyle. Red Ribbon Week also remembers the contribution of one soldier in the war against drugs, Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique ``Kiki'' Camarena. I am honored to be here to seek the Senate's recognition and support again for the annual Red Ribbon Week Campaign.

In Alaska, Red Ribbon Week will be a statewide celebration involving thousands of school children and those people and organizations who care about the welfare of our children and communities. On October 24, the city of Anchorage of will celebrate with a series of Red Ribbon events coordinated with the Anchorage School District, the Alaska National Guard, the Alaska State Troopers, the mayor of Anchorage, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Alaska, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the local U.S. Attorney's Office, many PTA groups and many others throughout the community.

Throughout the week, Alaskans will be encouraged to show gratitude for everyone who remains drug-free and pledges to live a safe and drug- free life and remember those we have lost in the fight against drugs.

The Red Ribbon Week Campaign was started in 1988 by the Federation of Parents. It was organized as an 8-day event and was then chaired by then-President and Mrs. Reagan. The event began as a tribute to DEA Special Agent Enrique ``Kiki'' Camarena who was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered by drug traffickers in 1985. Those who advocate that drug addiction is a

victimless crime should talk to the widow and children of Agent Camarena. His sons, Erik and Enrique, Jr. continue to honor their father and work to help children and families who are victims of drug- related crimes.

The Red Ribbon that we wear during Red Ribbon Week is a symbol of zero tolerance for illegal drug use and a commitment to drug abuse prevention. The ribbon will be worn or displayed in the upcoming Red Ribbon Week by millions of Americans in an act of unity and remembrance of Agent ``Kiki'' Camarena.

The distribution and abuse of illicit drugs is not a private matter. Drugs harm children. Drugs harm our communities. Illegal drugs only facilitate dependency, addiction and the breakdown of families.

We must encourage our children to make better choices by making the same commitment in our own lives. We as parents and leaders must set good examples.

Our children are growing up in a culture that continues to send confusing and mixed signals. Therefore, our children are confronting difficult choices on a continuous basis. Celebrities in the media, movies, television, and music often encourage them to make the wrong decisions. The Red Ribbon Campaign is one effort to help our children make the right decisions.

I thank my colleagues for joining me in support of this resolution to help illustrate the Senate's commitment in ensuring that our children know the benefits of a drug-free lifestyle and encouraging all people to live such a lifestyle.

Mr. President. I am pleased to join my colleague Senator Murkowski in sponsoring a resolution commemorating the annual ``Red Ribbon Week.'' Celebrated October 23-31, Red Ribbon Week encourages individuals, families, and communities to take a stand against alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drug use. I hope the rest of the Senate will join in supporting this resolution and support this very important campaign.

The tradition of Red Ribbon Week now in its twentieth year of wearing and displaying red ribbons started following the assassination of U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency Special Agent Enrique ``Kiki'' Camarena. In an effort to honor his memory and unite in the battle against drug crime and abuse, friends, neighbors, and students from his home town began wearing red ribbons. Shortly thereafter, the National Family Partnership took the celebration nationwide. Since then, the Red Ribbon campaign has reached millions of children, families, and communities across the country, spreading the message about the destructive effects of drugs.

In my State of Iowa, this year's theme for Red Ribbon Week is ``Take a Stand--Be Drug Free.'' Schools and community groups across the State are organizing a variety of activities including pledges, contests, workshops, rallies, theatrical and musical performances, and other family and educational events all designed to educate our children on the negative effects of drugs and promote a drug-free environment.

Research tells us that the longer a child stays drug-free the less likely they will become addicted or even try illegal drugs. This is why it is so important to maintain a coherent anti-drug message that begins early in adolescence and continues throughout the growing years. Such an effort must involve parents, communities, and young people. Red Ribbon Week provides each of us the opportunity to take a stand by helping our children make the right decisions when it comes to drugs.

In light of the growing epidemic of methamphetamine abuse throughout the Nation and especially in State of Iowa, this year's Red Ribbon Week holds greater importance. I urge colleagues to join us in passing this resolution to demonstrate our commitment to raising awareness about drugs and encourage everyone to make healthy choices.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 277 which was submitted earlier today.

I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table.