You may have seen the 60 Minutes story about the 21 minimum drinking age and a misguided and dangerous effort to lower the drinking age to 18. 60 Minutes may have presented two sides of the issue, but they did not present the full story.

The truth is this: 

• More than 50 high-quality peer reviewed studies show conclusively that the 21 minimum drinking age saves lives, on and off the road.
• Approximately 900 lives are saved per year on the road and NHTSA reports that more than 4400 lives have been saved over the past five years alone. 
• The 21 law saves many lives that would be lost to alcohol-related drownings, falls, burns, homicides, suicides, and other off-road fatalities. 
• The Defense Department supports the 21 law and works diligently to ensure servicemen and women are protected on the roadways. 

These critical facts went largely unreported by 60 Minutes. (Read more research and facts about the 21 drinking age.)

We know that lowering the drinking age will make alcohol more accessible to youth in college, high school - even middle school. We know Americans like you support the 21 law as do leaders around the country. We need to make sure that anti-21 forces don't erode this support. 

To do this, we need your help and voice in support of 21. This legislation reaffirms the nation's commitment to the 21 minimum drinking age through an expansion of underage drinking prevention efforts. 

Please email your federal representatives and ask them to co-sponsor the Support 21 Act of 2009. 

Thank you for your help at this vital time.