A Sobering Debate

The statistics are stark. Drivers 18 to 20 are twice as likely to be involved in alcohol-related accidents as other age groups. Consequently, the House voted last week to cut federal highway funds for any state that does not set 21 as its minimum legal drinking age. "This is not a problem of states' rights," said New Jersey Democrat James Howard, who sponsored the legislation. "It is a problem of human lives."

If the provision becomes law, the 29 states that still allow those under 21 to buy beer, wine or hard liquor would be given two years to change their laws, or face a loss of up to 15% in federal highway funds. Opponents argue that this would unfairly restrict the vast majority of college-age students because a small minority of their peers use alcohol irresponsibly. "It is a form of discrimination against young people," said Florida Republican Bill McCollum. These issues will now be debated in the Senate, which is considering proposals similar to the one passed by the House.