Alcohol, while legal for adults, can be a deadly and addictive drug.  According to a recent survey of 4,390 high school seniors, 80% reported becoming intoxicated, binge drinking or drinking and driving. 

Studies show that young people who begin drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who begin drinking after 21 years of age. Underage drinking contributes to increased accidents, crime, violence, unprotected sex, teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, depression, suicide, alcohol dependence, and illegal drug use.

This is why I am an original cosponsor of H.R. 864, the Sober Truth on Preventing (STOP) Underage Drinking Act.  A stronger effort is needed to successfully address the problem of underage drinking in the United States.  This bill provides the framework for confronting this problem.