For the past decade, I've used my leadership positions on the Senate Judiciary and Finance Committees to advance public policy that curbs trafficking, production and consumption of illegal drugs, beefs up enforcement and promotes effective treatment and prevention methods.

A 2006 survey by the National Association of Counties ranks methamphetamine as the number one drug problem by 79 percent of Iowa counties.

As co-chairman of the international narcotics control caucus, I work to raise public awareness about the hazards associated with illegal drugs, particularly methamphetamine. Beyond the devastating impact brought to bear upon families, employers and communities, illegal drugs create crime rings that launder money (estimates suggest $60 billion per year in tax evasion) and place significant burden on local law enforcement, criminal justice and public health systems.

In the late 1990s, I launched an extensive first-of-its kind statewide initiative to address Iowa's drug problem at the grassroots. Called "Face It Together," or FIT, the effort was designed to help Iowans work together to keep their schools, workplaces and communities drug-free. As Iowa's senior U .S. Senator, I strongly support community anti-drug coalitions and Drug Free Communities grant participants.