SARAH LONGWELL Guest Columnist WASHINGTON Two weeks ago the House Transportation Committee unveiled the details of its six-year, $450 billion overhaul known as the Highway Bill. Buried in the blueprints, not surprisingly, are some generous handouts for special interests. One such favor is a provision that would require a controversial sentencing requirement for low-level, first-time DUI offenders: ignition interlocks. These in-car breathalyzers prevent a vehicle from starting if its driver’s breath registers above a pre-set blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) limit. Because they are so expensive, intrusive, and prone to technical failures, this penalty has typically been reserved for the most extreme DUI offenders.

WASHINGTON Seventy-five years ago this month, one of the most unpopular laws in American history was repealed. With the ratification of the 21st Amendment on Dec. 5, 1933, the now-infamous Prohibition Era came to an end. The Prohibition story is a familiar one, perhaps more than many Americans realize. After decades of incremental successes in local governments, the dry “temperance” movement finally pushed a national beverage ban through Congress in 1919. The Prohibition rationale appealed to safety, morality, and a desire to protect the youth. But before long it was clear that Prohibition was accomplishing the exact opposite.