Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, the RAVE Act - Sen. Biden's grab at civil liberties and attention - has reared its ugly head again. The Electronic Music Defense and Education Fund objects strenuously:

Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) is at this very moment attempting to sneak the RAVE Act into conference committee on the National AMBER Alert Network Act of 2003 (S.151). S.151 is a popular bill about child abduction and has nothing to do with drug issues. S.151 has already been passed by the Senate and House and is now in Conference. In contrast, the RAVE Act has not passed even one single committee this year. It did pass a committee last year, but was so controversial two Senators withdrew their sponsorship after the vote.

This means that if the RAVE Act passes the conference committee, it is likely to become law without ever having a hearing, a debate or a vote.

Drug Policy Alliance has been told that Senator Biden has told other conference committee members, incorrectly, that the ACLU is no longer in opposition to the action. He also has told conferees that nightclub owners now support him (on the basis of one group that switched sides). If the act makes it into the conference language it is likely to become law. It must be stopped now.

PHONE YOUR SENATORS and Conference Committee Members (Background information below). DO IT NOW. If you do not respond to this alert, the controversial RAVE Act is likely to become law and it will be much harder to fix.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Congress is considering two pieces of legislation that could create disincentives for club owners to have water, ambulances and paramedics available at large dance events. The bills might also threaten live music and dancing. If enacted, either bill could prevent you from hearing your favorite band or DJ live. Every musical style would be affected, including rock and roll, Hip Hop, country, and electronic music. The proposed laws could also shut down hemp festivals, circuit parties, and other events government officials don't like. Both bills would allow overzealous prosecutors to send innocent people to jail for the crimes of others.

The two bills are the RAVE Act (H.R. 718) and the CLEAN-UP Act (H.R. 834). The RAVE Act was first introduced last year in the Senate by Senator Joe Biden (D-DE). A House version was introduced by Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX). Thanks to the support of thousands of voters like you, Drug Policy Alliance and a coalition of friends and activists around the country was able to stop both bills last year. Unfortunately, supporters of the RAVE Act are even more determined to pass it this year. Rep. Howard Coble (R-NC) is sponsoring a new RAVE Act in the House. Additionally, Senator Biden has introduced a Senate version entitled the Illicit Drugs Anti-Proliferation Act.

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