IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

NOVEMBER 18, 2004

Mr. JOHN SMITH (for himself and Mr. JOE CIENCIOLO, Mr. TREVOR WEBB, Ms. LILLIAN WOOD, Mr. KURT GARWOOD, Mr. JOSH DOLLINS, Mr. JON LUNDGREN, Mr. KENNETH HOLLINS, Mr. DICK DEXTER, and Mr. JUAN GALT) with Mr. Sanders, Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Dalton, Mr. Thayner, Mr. Cole, Mr. Dunne, Mr. Fitch, Ms Brandel, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Cherry, and Mr. Powell

To provide a national minimum drinking age of eighteen years; to be referred to the committee on Energy and Commerce.

Be it enacted by the House of Representatives and the Senate of the United States in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the 'National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 2004'.

SECTION 2. EIGHTEEN YEARS IS ENOUGH.

Amend 23 U.S.C. 158(a)(1) by striking `September 30, 1985, in which the purchase or public possession in such State of any alcoholic beverage by a person who is less than twenty-one years of age is lawful.' and inserting in lieu thereof `September 30, 2005, in which the purchase or public possession in such State of any alcoholic beverage by a person who is eighteen years or older is unlawful.';

Strike 23. U.S.C. 158(a)(2);and

Amend 23 U.S.C. 158(B) by striking `September 30, 1988' and inserting in lieu thereof `September 30, 2008'.

SECTION 4. ISSUANCE OF REGULATIONS.

The Secretary of Transportation shall issue revised regulations relating to 23 U.S.C. 158 not more than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act.

SECTION 3. EFFECTIVE DATE.

This Act and the amendments made by this Act shall take effect immediately upon its enactment.