Embedded Files
Support for a raised MLDA stemmed from various levels of government.
Support for a raised MLDA stemmed from various levels of government.
State and Federal Senators
State and Federal Senators
State Sen. Francis X. Kelly. Courtesy of Maryland State Archives.
Sen. Francis X. Kelly
Sen. Francis X. Kelly
Democratic Senator of Maryland from Northern Baltimore County, Francis X. Kelly.
"[The Act] is going to save lives. It's not going to solve the problem, but it will improve the situation- the drinking-driving, and teenagers with alcoholism problems."
- Senator Francis X. Kelly, 1984
Sen. Frank Lautenberg. Courtesy of Wikipedia
Sen. Frank Lautenberg
Sen. Frank Lautenberg
Democratic Senator of New Jersey, Frank Lautenberg, was the first senator to propose and write anti-alcohol legislation.
''The combination of alcohol, driving and youth is deadly,''
"[The proposed act] will save lives. The facts could not be clearer."
- Sen. Frank Lautenberg, 1984
Sen. Lowell P. Weicker. Courtesy of wikipedia
Sen. Lowell P. Weicker
Sen. Lowell P. Weicker
Republican Senator of Connecticut, Lowell P. Weicker.
"We're all driving toward the same goal: eliminate the deaths from drunken driving."
- Senator Lowell P. Weicker, 1984
President Ronald Reagan in Support of the Act
President Ronald Reagan in Support of the Act
President Ronald Reagan announced his support of the bill on June 13, 1984. Later, he signed the act on July 17, 1984.
"A great national movement."
- Ronald Reagan, 1984
"The bill we're gathered to sign today reflects the will of the American people. It takes the battle to stop drunk driving one crucial step further. We know that drinking, plus driving, spell death and disaster, it's a grave national problem, and it touches all our lives, with the problem so clear-cut and the proven solution at hand, we have no misgiving about this judicious use of Federal power."
- Ronald Reagan, 1984
"In dropping his opposition to the measure, the President had said he was persuaded by the evidence that raising the drinking age could save lives. In addition, some of Mr. Reagan's re-election strategists have made no secret of their hope that the issue will help the President's standing among voters.."
- New York Times Journalist, Steven R. Weisman, 1984
An excerpt from a letter to the American people by President Reagan. Courtesy of Navy Lifeline, Volume 13
Report of Reagan signing minimum drinking age into law from the Lewiston Morning Tribune Wednesday July 18, 1984
Support from Other Political Figures
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
"The heavily lobbied bill, approved by 81 to 16, followed the lead of the House of Representatives" (Tolchin, 1984).
Secretary of Transportation
Secretary of Transportation
"The greatest killer of our young people is the deadly combination of drinking and driving" (Tolchin 1984).
New York Governor Cuomo
New York Governor Cuomo
"If it saves one life, we should do it, if we delay more lives will be lost" (Barbanel, 1984).
House of Representatives. Courtesy of Wikipedia
Elizabeth Dole. Courtesy of Notable Biographies
Gov. Mario Cuomo. Courtesy of Wikipedia.
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