Drug Enforcement

Meth

As co-chair of the Caucus to Fight and Control Methamphetamine, I understand the devastating effect that illicit drugs have on families.  In 2005, I worked to pass the first-ever comprehensive anti-meth legislation — the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act (CMEA). This landmark legislation placed ephedrine and pseudoephedrine products (meth “precursors” needed to make the drug) behind the counter at pharmacies across the country; eliminated a loophole in federal law allowing the unlimited sale of pseudoephedrine pills sold in “blister packs”; holds major meth precursor exporters and importers accountable for their efforts to prevent meth production; and toughens federal penalties for meth traffickers and those who cook or deal meth in the presence of children, making it more difficult for drug dealers to get the ingredients they need to manufacture meth. This bill also helped local law enforcement as they dramatically reduced the number of “homegrown” meth labs in Washington state since its inception. 

Despite the success in reducing access to meth precursor chemicals through the passage of the CMEA, meth lab seizures have increased nationally since 2008.  This rise in meth abuse is largely attributed to smurfing—a strategy that meth manufacturers use to bypass CMEA restrictions.  Through this practice criminals employ individuals that are paid to go from store to store purchasing products containing pseudoephedrine or ephedrine below the threshold requirements set forth by the CMEA.  This activity circumvents any logbook system, electronic or otherwise, through the use of various forms of false identification or simply by using a large numbers of individuals to purchase meth precursors.  Currently, I am working with Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon to introduce legislation that would classify pseudoephedrine and ephedrine as prescription drugs—eliminating the log book loophole and further reducing the ability for criminals to make and distribute methamphetamine into our communities.

Prescription Drugs

According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, prescription drugs account for the second most commonly abused category of drugs, ahead of cocaine, heroin, and meth.  Prescription drug abuse poses a unique challenge because of the need to balance prevention, education, and enforcement, with the need for legitimate access to controlled substance prescription drugs.  Due to the growing threat that prescription drugs place on our communities, I cosponsored H.R.1191, the Safe Drug Disposal Act.  This bill, introduced by Representative Inslee, would allow local communities to dispose of unused prescription drugs and over the counter drugs through approved state run drug take back programs.  

DXM

In 2005, two teenagers in Whatcom County died after overdosing on unfinished Dextromethorphan (DXM) they bought on the Internet. This loss is a tragedy that has not been forgotten by the community.  That is the reason I introduced and the House passed bipartisan legislation with my colleague Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) to eliminate the bulk sale of DXM and help prevent the abuse of this drug. Our bill is being considered in the Senate, would make it illegal to distribute unfinished DXM to a person or company not registered with the Food and Drug Administration.

Substance Abuse

Drug courts are widely recognized as the most effective solution for reducing crime and recidivism among drug-addicted offenders in the criminal justice system. Participation within the drug court program comes at a fraction of the cost of standard incarceration, and they are highly effective.  For example, the Snohomish County drug court has a 94% success rate.  Funded at $45 million in fiscal year 2010, the Drug Court program has only received a $5 million increase since 2005.  As a result, I initiated a letter along with my colleagues Representative Hirono (D-HI) and Representative Boozman (R-AR) requesting an appropriation of $125 million for Drug Courts in the Fiscal Year 2011 budget.

Locally, I worked with my colleagues in the House and Senate to help secure $ 3 million for the Comprehensive Drug Treatment Court Sustainability Project in Snohomish County through the Passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This funding provides Snohomish County Superior Court with the ability to reinstate Drug Court programs to full capacity and strengthen existing programs by providing additional treatment funding.