Mitt Romney on Drugs Former Republican Governor (MA)

Mandatory sentence & higher penalty for repeat drunk driving

Romney proposed "Melanie's Bill" to crack down on drunk drivers. The bill called for higher penalties and mandatory sentences for repeat offenders. It increased license suspensions for people who knowingly allowed someone to use an automobile if he or she had a suspended license from drunk driving. It required that cars from arrested drivers be impounded. Also, vehicles of repeat offenders had to be equipped with ignition interlock systems, which wouldn't allow cars to start unless the driver passed a Breathalyzer test.

Within a year of the new law, repeat offender arrests had been cut in half. The number of arrested drivers with prior drunken-driving convictions dropped 17%.

Combat the ruthless narco-terrorists in Colombia

A safe and prosperous Western Hemisphere requires a strong and democratic Colombia. The US must continue to provide strong support for Colombia's efforts to combat the ruthless narco-terrorists that operate there. Our partnership with Colombia contributes to our security and our quality of life--sowing stability in a critical region and helping keep deadly drugs off our streets. We can and must consolidate the gains we have made in Colombia by strengthening the economic ties between our countries. The U.S. Congress must treat this vital ally with the respect Colombia deserves and move forward now with the free trade agreement.