but also in my own family, I have experienced the effects that drugs can have on our youth, our families and our communities.
I know we need to do a much better job in reducing and eliminating these problems. And tackling our nation’s complex drug problem takes a coordinated and multifaceted effort. There’s a lot of hard work ahead, but I am absolutely committed to this task, Mr. Vice President.
For too long, we have operated, as the Vice President said, in silence when it comes to making our country drug free and reducing the demand for drugs. It’s an incredibly complex problem, and it requires prosecutors and law enforcement, courts, treatment providers, and prevention programs to exchange information and to work together. And our priority should be a seamless, comprehensive approach.
The President and the Vice President have set a new course, and I’m looking forward to working with the Department of State, the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services and all of the agencies that are involved in drug policy on implementing this new course.
Already this administration has expanded commitments to critical programs, ones that we’ve seen such as drug courts, better treatment, prisoner and reentry programs, border security, and counternarcotics initiatives, both domestically and internationally. This is a real commitment to strengthening the tools we have to reduce trafficking, illegal drug manufacturing, and drug-related crime and violence.
There is much work to be done. I’m looking forward to getting to work. Thank you all very much. (Applause.)
(Source: White House)