Methamphetamine Education, Treatment, And Hope Act Of 2010

Floor Speech

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Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2818, the Methamphetamine Education, Treatment, and Hope Act, a bill I was proud to introduce.

Unfortunately, methamphetamine use is a serious problem throughout the country, including California and my district. For instance, one recent survey indicates that meth use by children 12 years and older increased by 60 percent between 2008 and 2009. That is 154,000 new users of methamphetamine in 2009, compared to only 95,000 new users in 2008.

Children don't start using meth or other drugs without learning it from someone else, and, sadly, they are often introduced to it by adult family members.

By improving Federal treatment programs so they serve all parenting women, H.R. 2818 enables mothers to receive the help they need. This bill will benefit mothers and children alike. Addressing addictions will also help reduce drug-related crimes and benefit children and families.

H.R. 2818 also includes provisions that will ensure that the rural areas with a shortage of mental health professionals or family-based substance abuse treatment centers are provided the resources they need. By focusing grants in areas with higher concentrations of drug use, we can effectively utilize appropriated funds.

I have worked with Members on both sides of the aisle to introduce this bill and update the current law. Congresswoman Bono Mack joined me as an original cosponsor, and this bill traveled through the legislative process. Constructive suggestions by the minority members of the Committee on Energy and Commerce were incorporated to improve the legislation.

Improving meth treatment programs will help reduce crime and benefit children, and I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan effort.

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