Rep. Howard Nielson, R-Utah, Thursday joined other Republicans sponsoring a drug and crime bill proposed by U.S. drug czar William Bennett.
"The time is long overdue for this nation to take serious steps in halting the flow of drugs in our neighborhoods and schools," Nielson said.The package includes:
-Death penalty for drug kingpins.
-Enhanced penalties for narcotics-related public corruption.
-New civil penalties for violators of drug paraphernalia laws.
-Revocation of drivers' licenses for drug offenders.
-New penalties for firearms violations.
-New fine and forfeiture authority over boats and aircraft used in the drug trade.
Nielson said, "I know there are some tough provisions in this legislation. But we are in a fight for the security of our families and homes. Our future and the future of our children are at stake. We simply cannot afford to lose this war."
Nielson is also an original co-sponsor of a Republican campaign reform package designed to strip power from special-interest political action committees and strengthen political parties.
"It is time we restore balance to both Houses of Congress," Nielson said.
"That can only be done with campaign reforms that strip special interest political action committees, that build political parties and that establish standards to limit gerrymandering of congressional districts."
Among provisions in the 10-bill package are:
-Reducing the limit of contributions that PACs may make to candidates from $5,000 to $1,000 per election.
-Provide income tax credit for qualified political contributions to encourage more donations from individuals.
-Ban "soft money," or unreported contributions or efforts that designed to benefit particular candidates - such as voter registration drives or get out the vote drives.
-Set strict standards for establishing congressional districts to limit gerrymandering.
-Restrict the political use of labor union dues or agency fees.