According to Grassley, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA)home page ranks among the most trafficked web sites for kids on-line.
"Posting positive anti-drug messages on NASA's web site is an immensely affordableand creative way to reach a young audience," said Grassley. "Frankly, the government would beout of the loop if it skipped opportunities to press forward with drug prevention programs via theInternet."
The Grassley bill directs NASA, in consultation with the Office of National Drug ControlPolicy, to place anti-drug messages on its Internet sites. A companion measure offered by Rep.Matt Salmon passed the House of Representatives last month.
Grassley said he anticipates NASA will launch its e-campaign against drug use bymid-July. "Before the start of the next school year, we'll have an opportunity to make one moreconnection with every child or high school student who visits NASA on-line," said Grassley."We can't afford not to jump on the Information Superhighway and use the opportunity to warnkids who are cruising on the Internet about the hazards of drug use."
Grassley also introduced legislation to provide more resources to family-oriented drugprevention organizations. The Drug-Free Families Act of 1999 would authorize $1 million overeach of the next five fiscal years to create a grant program to supply parents with tools to educatetheir children on the dangers of drugs. Building on Grassley's Drug-Free Communities Actwhich the president signed into law in 1997, this bill would support the creation of a nationalumbrella organization to help organizations such as Community Anti-Drug Coalitions ofAmerica (CADCA), National Families in Action (NFIA) and Parents Resource Institute on DrugEducation (PRIDE) better coordinate their outreach to parents.
"The government would do well to revitalize anti-drug efforts at the grassroots," saidGrassley. "These grants are designed to mobilize parents and families through education,training, technical assistance and other services."
In the wake of the school shootings in Littleton, Colo., Grassley hosted two publicforums last month in Iowa to help communities and families make a stronger connection withyouth. "While it ranks among the country's best places to work and raise a family, my home stateis not immune from violent cultural influences and illegal drug trafficking," he said. "We mustbe tireless in our efforts to make a positive connection with younger generations."