WASHINGTON – A bill aimed at reducing underage drinking was passed by the House of Representatives on Dec. 7 and only awaits the approval of President Bush to become finalized as law.
The bipartisan, bicameral Sober Truth on Preventing (STOP) Underage Drinking Act is designed to actualize many of the recommendations made by the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine’s September 2003 report to Congress. It establishes a guide for improving governmental coordination and reporting, and will initiate a national media campaign as part of a comprehensive national strategy to stop underage drinking. It will also fund local community initiatives that further STOP’s goals.
The bill also proposes allocating funds to research programs investigating the impact of alcohol on the adolescent brain.
