Senate Approves Bush's Choice for Drug Czar
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Senate rounded out the Bush Cabinet Wednesday, finally confirming John Walters as the nation's new "Drug Czar" with a unanimous voice vote.
"Mr. Walters will begin his tenure as 'drug czar' at a very precarious time, but I know he is the right person for this challenge," Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said in a statement.
Walters' nomination to lead the Office of National Drug Control Policy generated much opposition from leading Senate Democrats. Last month, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved the appointment 14-5, with Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., former chairmen Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., and Joseph Biden, D-Del., opposing Walters.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Walters was highly critical of former President Clinton's drug policies. He attacked the administration's anti-narcotics advertising campaigns and advocated severe prison sentences for marijuana smugglers and repeat offenders.
Walters served as acting White House drug policy director in 1993, but quit when Clinton announced a reorientation of anti-narcotics policy that de-emphasized law enforcement and interdiction.
The White House increased pressure on the Senate to approve Walters to complete the Cabinet, Reuters reported Thursday.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"Mr. Walters is eminently qualified," said Hatch, the ranking Republican on the Judiciary Committee. "I am confident that he will be a first-rate director."
Walters worked in the drug control policy office during George H.W. Bush's administration from 1989 to 1992. He has served as president of the Philanthropy Roundtable, a group that helps charitable organizations and drug prevention and treatment efforts, since 1996.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.