Gordon's Bill to Fight Meth Production Signed into Law

Press Release

Congressman Bart Gordon's bill closing loopholes in federal law that have been exploited by meth producers was signed into law by President Obama.

"Every year, Tennessee is one of the top states when it comes to meth production, use and busts," said Gordon. "To combat this epidemic, we have to go straight for the source, making it more difficult for the producers of this drug to get their hands on precursor materials."

The Combat Methamphetamine Enhancement Act (H.R. 2923) requires all retailers of pseudoephedrine and ephedrine products, products used to make meth, to register with the U.S. Attorney General, and requires distributors of these products to sell only to retailers who are registered to sell controlled substances. It also provides the Department of Justice legal basis to fine those not in compliance with the law. These regulations close significant loopholes in a 2006 law that first brought these products behind the counter.

"Four years ago, Congress began to tackle this issue head on," Gordon added. "It takes a multi-pronged approach to fight meth through regulation, education and prevention. This bill is another step in the right direction."

As Chairman of the Science and Technology Committee, Gordon has fought the spread of meth and worked to reduce its impact on communities. His committee has held hearings and advanced legislation aimed at developing partnerships and cooperation among local, state and federal agencies.

In 2007, Gordon authored the Methamphetamine Remediation Research Act, which directed the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop meth detection equipment for field use. The law further required the Environmental Protection Agency to develop model, voluntary, health-based clean-up guidelines for use by states and localities with the goal of making sure the sites of former meth labs are safe and livable.

During his time in Congress, Gordon has led efforts to address and curb drug abuse in Middle Tennessee. Gordon has secured more than $1 million in federal funding to help local law enforcement crack down on meth production. He has also helped implement juvenile drug court programs in Middle Tennessee communities and worked to make drug education information more available in Tennessee's public schools.

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