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| Wilson Works for Better Enforcement Tools in NM to Combat Meth & Drunk Driving |
November 14, 2005 |
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Wilson-Cosponsored Anti-Meth Bill Slated for Consideration in Committee
Albuquerque, NM - Congresswoman Heather Wilson and Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White today welcomed strong new enforcement tools to make the streets safer, including anti-drunk driving technology for the Sheriff`s Department and anti-meth legislation.
Congresswoman Wilson, joined by Sheriff White, announced $500,000 in federal support for a pilot program with the Bernalillo County Sheriff`s Department using technology developed by an Albuquerque company to prevent drunk driving.
“This is an example of federal funds both creating jobs in New Mexico, and contributing to public safety through a New Mexico innovation that will help keep our streets and highways safe from drunk drivers,” Wilson said. In January of 2005, Wilson announced an initial grant of $250,000 for the development effort in New Mexico.
“I am looking forward to putting this technology to use on the streets and incorporating it as another tool to combat DWI in our community,” said Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White. “It enhances our capability not only to arrest DWI offenders but also through use in conjunction with an interlock device, serves to prevent repeat offenses. We appreciate Congresswoman Wilson`s dedication to public safety and her efforts to secure this important funding.”
“TruTouch Technologies is grateful for Congresswoman Wilson’s invaluable support to help accelerate the transition of our non-invasive alcohol technology from laboratory devices to field-ready prototypes. Drunk driving remains a tragic problem in US with 17,000 preventable deaths per year and 513,000 people injured. This funding will help to drive the commercialization of our technology that could ultimately eliminate one of our greatest social tragedies. TruTouch looks forward to its continued growth and job creation in New Mexico,” said Jim McNally, TruTouch CEO.
On November 9, 2005, the U.S. House of Representatives passed key New Mexico public safety and technology projects in the Commerce, Justice and State Appropriations Bill (H.R. 2862) by a vote of 397-19, sending it back to the U.S. Senate for its final legislative step.
Among numerous public safety provisions, the bill specifies $500,000 for the Bernalillo County Sheriff`s Department for new technology to fight drunk driving. These funds, through the U.S. Department of Justice, are to develop noninvasive alcohol testing prototypes to prevent the alcohol-impaired from driving their vehicles. TruTouch Technologies, a New Mexico-based company associated with Inlight Solutions, will be the Department`s primary partner in the development of this cutting-edge technology. Through this technology, officers can simultaneously measure alcohol as accurately as a breath analyzer and, using a novel biometric technology, identify people. This unique capability will enable touch-based, driver-specific, less-intrusive ignition interlocks.
“This technology has the potential to change the way we prevent drunk driving,” Wilson said. “With further development, this technology means if you touch the steering wheel and you are drunk, the car won`t start. I look forward to that day and I appreciate the Bernalillo County Sheriff`s Department helping to take this the next step.”
Federal Support for Stopping Meth
Wilson also announced today that the Methamphetamine Epidemic Elimination Act (H.R. 3889), which she has cosponsored, is scheduled for consideration next week in the House Energy and Commerce Committee, on which she serves.
The Methamphetamine Epidemic Elimination Act (H.R. 3889) would lower the amount of pseudoephedrine that could be purchased from 9 grams to 3.6 grams. Psuedoephedrine is a key ingredient in meth, which is made through a concoction of common household chemicals. The legislation would also address clean-up for meth lab sites, and strengthen reporting requirements for importing pseudoephedrine.
“One of the ways to control the scourge of meth in our communities is to limit the supply of the chemicals used to cook it,” Wilson said.
Wilson also announced federal funds approved last week for combating meth. The Commerce, Justice and State Appropriations Bill (H.R. 2862) passed November 9, 2005, includes:
$1.68 billion for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Establishment of a Methamphetamine Task Force within the DEA to improve federal efforts to stop the production and sale of methamphetamine.
$63.5 million nationally for policing initiatives to combat methamphetamine production and trafficking and to enhance policing initiatives in drug hot spots.
$20 million for DEA to assist State and local law enforcement with proper removal and disposal of hazardous materials at clandestine meth labs and funds training, technical assistance and purchase of equipment to adequately remove and store hazardous material.
New Mexico is a battleground state in the efforts against methamphetamine, which plagues rural areas, and is prevalent in the four corners region of the West. Wilson says that federal enforcement and prevention efforts should be stepped up to stop the spread of methamphetamine use.
During the 108th Congress, Wilson also backed legislation that provided more law enforcement training and equipment. This year, she is also a cosponsor of the Combat Methamphetamine Act of 2005, (H.R. 314), which would authorize $33 million to bolster enforcement through the Bureau of Justice Assistance, educate businesses selling these products, and hire and train special assistant U.S. Attorneys.
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