Methamphetamine Epidemic Elimination Act calls for significant changes to criminal penalties, environmental regulation, precursor chemical regulation

September 23, 2005 - WASHINGTON, DC -
U.S. Congressman Greg Walden (R-OR) this week signed on as an original cosponsor of comprehensive legislation to help put an end to the meth epidemic that is sweeping through communities in central, southern and eastern Oregon as well as those throughout the nation.  The “Methamphetamine Epidemic Elimination Act” was introduced Thursday by Judiciary Committee Chairman James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) and Criminal Justice, Drug Policy and Human Resources Subcommittee Chairman Mark Souder (R-IN).
 
“During the many town halls I’ve held throughout the District to discuss the impacts meth has on our lives and communities, it became very clear to me that finding a solution to this problem will take a strong focus on a variety of fronts.  Talented law enforcement, treatment and prevention professionals in our local communities face this problem head-on every day, but they need the help and support of national policy such as the Act we’ve introduced this week,” said Walden, a member of the Congressional Caucus to Fight and Control Methamphetamine and the Speaker’s Task Force for a Drug Free America.   
 
“This bill addresses a number of key issues including criminal punishments for those engaged in meth trafficking, the environmental impacts of meth production, and the regulation of precursor chemical ingredients.  However, I understand that this is just the beginning and we have much more to do.  I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this critical piece of legislation and advancing our efforts to combat meth at all levels,” he continued.
 
Walden has cosponsored several pieces of legislation this year to address the myriad of issues we face as a result of the increased problem posed by methamphetamine in our communities.  He has also supported key amendments and appropriations legislation to enhance funding available for key programs such as the Community Oriented Policing Services and Byrne Memorial Grants.
 
The bill, H.R. 3889, would close several existing loopholes in federal regulation of precursor chemicals by:
Ending the “blister pack exemption,” which currently allows larger sales of cold medicine sold in blister packaging;
Reducing federal per-transaction sales limits for pseudoephedrine from nine grams to six grams (approximately two 24-packs);
Granting the Attorney General authority to set production and import quotas for pseudoephedrine projects, and;
Requiring the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to report to Congress with a specific recommendation about making pseudoephedrine a Schedule V product, which would require behind-the-counter sales nationwide.
 
Additionally, this legislation would enhance international regulation of precursor chemicals by:
Requiring those who import precursor chemicals to file complete information about the chain of distribution (from the manufacturer to American shores);
Mandating the State Department to identify the five largest exporters of major meth precursor chemicals and the five largest importers of such chemicals that have a high rate of meth production.  Once identified, these countries would have reduced eligibility for U.S. aid if they do not comply with efforts to control trafficking of these ingredients, and;
Requiring the State Department’s Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs to provide assistance to Mexico as a means to help prevent the production of meth and the illegal diversion of precursor chemicals.
 
The bill would also enhance criminal penalties for the production and trafficking of meth by:
Mandating a new prison term of 20 years for anyone convicted of manufacturing meth in a home where children live;
Lowering the threshold amounts which trigger higher penalties for producing, trafficking or smuggling meth or its precursors;
Increasing penalties for those attempting to smuggle meth, or its precursor chemicals, across our nation’s borders by misusing established “fastpass” lanes, which allow pre-screened trucks to bypass certain security measures, and;
Clarifying that current penalties for growing organic drugs (such as cocaine and marijuana) on federal property also apply to manufacturing synthetic drugs (such as methamphetamine).
 
H.R. 3889 also gives authority to the Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency to enforce environmental regulations against meth cooks who pollute the environment with the toxic by-products of meth.  It is estimated that five-six pounds of toxic by-product are produced for every pound of methamphetamine manufactured.
 
To view a copy of the bill text and a section-by-section analysis, please visit the Subcommittee’s website at: http://reform.house.gov/CJDPHR/.  You can also read more about legislation cosponsored by Walden and his work on this issue at www.walden.house.gov/issues/meth.
 
Congressman Walden represents 20 counties in central, southern and eastern Oregon.  He is a Deputy Whip in the House Leadership Structure and a member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Resources.