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| House Energy & Commerce Committee Passes Meth Legislation |
November 15, 2005 |
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| Wilson-Cosponsored Anti-Meth Bill Slated for House Consideration
Albuquerque, NM - Congresswoman Heather Wilson today welcomed passage of the Methamphetamine Epidemic Elimination Act (H.R. 3889) in the House Energy and Commerce Committee, on which she serves. Wilson, a cosponsor of the legislation, said she expects consideration of the measure this week by the full U.S. House of Representatives.
“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.
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. Pseudoephedrine 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.
On November 9, 2005, the U.S. House of Representatives also passed support for anti-meth and related enforcement efforts 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. That legislation 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.
$478 million for the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program.
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.
“Unlike other illegal drugs which travel across our borders, we can’t stop meth by shutting down the border. Battling meth means controlling the availability of ingredients,” said Wilson.
Background on Methamphetamine
It`s harmful.
While its use is hidden, the results are not. Methamphetamine is extremely detrimental to people and the surrounding environment. Harmful long-term effects of methamphetamine include bone loss, malnutrition, liver, kidney and lung damage and psychiatric problems.
Methamphetamine is most prevalent in rural areas and in the Four Corners region of the West. There is no single profile for a methamphetamine user. Nationally, 8 percent of 11th-graders report having used amphetamines or crystal meth. Law enforcement statistics show that more than 30 percent of the time, children are at the scene of a drug bust.
It`s costly.
The clean up for a meth site can range from $1,500 to $250,000, depending on the contamination. The residue from a previous use of toxic chemicals often remains in homes where new families reside. Producing a pound of methamphetamine causes an estimated five-to-seven pounds of toxic waste. The pollution is spread through streams, septic systems and surface water run-off.
It`s widely used.
Methamphetamine is second only to marijuana as the most widely used illicit drug. While it is particularly prevalent in the western United States, the materials to make it are legally sold, making enforcement difficult.
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