09.16.05

Senate OKs Cantwell’s $20 Million Increase in Meth Funding

A 33% Increase for State and Local Meth Efforts; Moves Meth Ingredients Behind Rx Counters Nationally

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Senate late last night passed U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell’s amendment to add $20 million for state and local law enforcement officials to fight meth abuse. Cantwell’s amendment brings the total meth funding included in the Commerce-Justice-Science (CJS) appropriations bill to $80 million, a 33% increase from the Senate’s initial funding. Cantwell pledged to continue to fight for additional funds when the Senate and House bills are merged in a conference committee in the coming weeks.

"Fighting meth abuse has crippled our state and local law enforcement offices," said Cantwell. "This 33% increase is important so our local communities can get the help they need. This vital federal support will help those on the front lines of the meth epidemic."

Cantwell’s amendment will help to hire police officers, fund technology and equipment, and educate the public about the dangers of meth and the opportunities for help available to those addicted to meth.

"The Combat Meth Act," a bipartisan measure, was also added to the CJS bill and cosponsored by Cantwell. It calls for $25 million to help state and local law enforcement bring meth manufacturers and dealers to justice. It also includes $13 million for meth treatment and research, and $5 million to help children affected by meth. Other key components of "The Combat Meth Act" require that medicines containing pseudoephedrine, a key ingredient in meth, be kept behind the counter, and limit the amount of such medicines one person can buy in a month.

"The Combat Meth Act represents an important opportunity for the rest of the country to catch up to the progress already underway in Washington state," Cantwell said.

According to Washington state law, pseudoephedrine can only be sold at retail locations by a licensed pharmacist, an employee of a pharmacy, a licensed medical or dental practitioner, or an employee of a practitioner. When signed into law, the CJS bill would make this a nationwide requirement.

Cantwell’s amendment is especially important to Washington state, which is sixth in the country in meth production, with 1337 meth lab sites last year, and first in the country in children found on raided sites. There is a disturbingly high correlation between meth and other crimes, and there are higher recidivism rates for Washington meth convicts than for other drug convicts.