WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate is expected to approve President Barack Obama’s nominee to serve as U.S. drug “czar” overseeing federal drug policy.
A vote is set late Monday on Michael Botticelli, who has served as acting drug czar since March. A former head of the Massachusetts Bureau of Substance Abuse Services, Botticelli has emphasized prevention and treatment and has been in recovery for more than 25 years.
Botticelli said last week that the federal government should not interfere with the District of Columbia’s move to legalize possession of marijuana for recreational use. While he doesn’t agree with legalization, Botticelli said he believes the District “should stick to its home rule.”
District voters approved legalization last November. A spending bill passed by Congress in December includes language intended to block legalization.