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Tom Lantos on Drugs

Democratic Representative (CA-12)


Voted YES on military border patrols to battle drugs & terrorism.

Amendment to set up a task force on counter-terrorism and drug interdiction and allow military personnel to help patrol U.S. borders.
Bill HR 2586 ; vote number 2001-356 on Sep 25, 2001

Voted NO on prohibiting needle exchange & medical marijuana in DC.

Vote to pass a bill that provides $429.1 million in funds for the District of Columbia and approves the District's $6.8 billion budget. Among other provisions, the bill prohibits the use of federal funds for needle exchange programs, prohibits implementing an approved ballot initiative to legalize the medicinal use of marijuana.
Reference: Bill sponsored by Istook, R-OK; Bill HR 3064 ; vote number 1999-504 on Oct 14, 1999

Legalize medical marijuana.

Lantos co-sponsored the States' Rights to Medical Marijuana Act:

Source: House Resolution Sponsorship 01-HR2592 on Jul 23, 2001

Rated +20 by NORML, indicating a pro-drug-reform stance.

Lantos scores +20 by the NORML on drug reform

OnTheIssues.org interprets the 2006 NORML scores as follows:

About NORML (from their website, www.norml.org):

National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Law's mission is to move public opinion sufficiently to achieve the repeal of marijuana prohibition so that the responsible use of cannabis by adults is no longer subject to penalty.

NORML is a nonprofit, public-interest lobby that for more than 30 years has provided a voice for those Americans who oppose marijuana prohibition. We represent the interests of the tens of millions of Americans who smoke marijuana responsibly and believe the recreational and medicinal use of marijuana should no longer be a crime.

NORML supports the removal of all criminal penalties for the private possession & responsible use of marijuana by adults, including the cultivation for personal use, and the casual nonprofit transfers of small amounts. This model is called "decriminalization."

NORML additionally supports the development of a legally controlled market for marijuana, where consumers could purchase it from a safe, legal and regulated source. This model is referred to as "legalization."

NORML believes that marijuana smoking is not for kids and should only be used responsibly by adults. As with alcohol consumption, it must never be an excuse for misconduct or other bad behavior. Driving or operating heavy equipment while impaired from marijuana should be prohibited.

NORML strongly supports the right of patients to use marijuana as a medicine when their physician recommends it to relieve pain and suffering.

Lastly, NORML supports the right of farmers to commercially cultivate hemp for industrial purposes, such as food and fiber production.

Source: NORML website 06n-NORML on Dec 31, 2006

Allow rehabilitated drug convicts get student loans.

Lantos co-sponsored allowing rehabilitated drug convicts get student loans

This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to repeal the provisions prohibiting persons convicted of drug offenses from receiving student financial assistance.

Source: Removing Impediments to Students Education (RISE) (H.R.5157) 08-HR5157 on Jan 29, 2008

Other candidates on Drugs: Tom Lantos on other issues:
CA Gubernatorial:
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Gray Davis

Democratic retirements
& special elections:

D,AL-5:Cramer
D,CA-12:Lantos
D,CO-2:Udall
D,IN-7:Carson
D,NY-21:McNulty
D,ME-1:Allen
D,MD-4:Wynn
D,NM-3:Udall
D,OR-5:Hooley

Republican special elections:
R,IL-14:Hastert
R,LA-1:Jindal
R,LA-6:Baker
R,MS-1:Wicker
R,OH-5:Gillmor
Republican retirements:
R,AL-2:Everett
R,AZ-1:Renzi
R,CA-4:Doolittle
R,CA-52:Hunter
R,CO-6:Tancredo
R,FL-15:Weldon
R,IL-11:Weller
R,IL-18:LaHood
R,KY-2:Lewis
R,LA-4:McCrery
R,MD-1:Gilchrest
R,MN-3:Ramstad
R,MO-9:Hulshof
R,MS-3:Pickering
R,NJ-3:Saxton
R,NJ-7:Ferguson
R,NM-1:Wilson
R,NM-2:Pearce
R,NY-25:Walsh
R,NY-26:Reynolds
R,OH-7:Hobson
R,OH-15:Pryce
R,OH-16:Regula
R,PA-5:Peterson
R,VA-11:Davis
R,WY-0:Cubin
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Page last updated: 3/27/2008