Tanner-Backed Meth Clean-Up Bill Passes House

TANNER-BACKED METH CLEAN-UP BILL PASSES HOUSE
December 13, 2005

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives will help local and state officials further clean up methamphetamine labs in Tennessee, according to Rep. John Tanner, a co-sponsor of the bill.

"Meth is one of the biggest threats facing Tennessee families," Congressman Tanner said after the House unanimously passed the bill. "As we continue our fight to stop the spread of meth labs in our local communities, we must also ensure our children are protected from the residual deadly chemicals used to make meth."

The Methamphetamine Research Remediation Act helps local law enforcement officials better seek out and deep-clean meth lab sites. Without proper decontamination, the dangerous chemicals used to make meth can cause medical harm for neighbors or future residents of the former lab sites.

"I am proud of the work our local officials have done to curb the spread of meth production and abuse in Tennessee," Tanner said. "Gov. Phil Bredesen and the General Assembly have helped make our state a leader in the fight against meth. These federal resources will help them continue to win that fight."

The bill was written by Tennessee's Rep. Bart Gordon, ranking Democrat on the House Science Committee.

"This bill will protect innocent people whose lives are endangered by this illegal activity," Gordon said. "Along with other measures moving through the House now, this bill provides families and communities a way to protect themselves from the effects of this serious problem."

Tanner represents Tennessee's 8th Congressional district in West and Middle Tennessee. He serves on the Congressional Caucus to Fight and Control Methamphetamine.

http://www.house.gov/tanner/press109-053.htm