National Methamphetamine Awareness Day

National Methamphetamine Awareness Day

U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) today offered the following statement on National Methamphetamine Awareness Day:

"As the nation observes Methamphetamine Awareness Day, I am pleased to say our efforts to combat this dangerous and harmful drug have resulted in over a 30% decline in meth-lab seizures. While this number represents a success on several fronts, we still have plenty of work to do to educate children and adults to the inherent dangers of meth use - as well as stopping the flow of methamphetamine from domestic and international sources.

"Two months ago, the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 went into full effect. The law set a nationwide baseline for how to legally sell products containing certain chemicals that can be used to make methamphetamine. In other words, we made it tougher for meth labs to get the ingredients to cook-up their toxic stew. In Arkansas, because of the exceptional efforts of state and local leaders, meth labs have been cut by nearly half and workplace use is down nearly 40%.

"Sadly, however, a few 3rd District counties rank among the highest in the state in arrests, while the state ranks 2nd in the nation in arrests per capita.

"While statistics present one picture of the problem, the human story of hurt, addiction and death bring it into stark focus. It is those stories which illustrate why this drug is a scourge on Arkansas.

"We need a three-pronged approach to solve this continuing problem - education or demand reduction, strong punishments for offenders and rehabilitation of addicts. This approach reflects a balanced, proactive policy that encourages people not to use drugs and gives addicts a chance to change their lives. As a member of the congressional Task Force for a Drug Free America, I will continue working hard to give law enforcement and our communities the tools they need to prevent and stop illegal drug abuse."

Rep. Boozman was named to the Task Force for a Drug Free America in 2003. Since then, he has authored language for the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 (CMEA) authorizing the U.S. Attorney General to create specific guidelines for testing; ensure that testing is as accurate as possible; and require immediate and dramatic punitive sanctions and/or therapeutic measures when a participant fails a drug test.

On March 9, 2006, the House of Representatives passed the Boozman Amendment to the Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act, requiring ONDCP to study and assess trends relating to the effects of illicit drug use on children of substance abusers to assist Congress, States, local governments and private groups work to protect them. Secondly, the amendment requires ONDCP to conduct a study on drug court programs that hold hearings in non-traditional public places, such as schools. The goal of such non-traditional locations will allow children to be exposed to the consequences of methamphetamines, while laying the groundwork for jurisdictions across the country to begin implementing it.

Rep. Boozman has also been instrumental is facilitating communication between law enforcement, Congress, parents and educators, on the dangers of drugs and gangs by hosting the "Ice in the Ozarks" hearing (Bentonville) in 2004, as well as an Anti-Gang Summit (Springdale) in September 2006, and participating in a Gang Awareness Seminar (Rogers) in November 2006.

http://www.boozman.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=53882