Iowa Congressman to Lead New Meth Task Force in US House
IOWA CONGRESSMAN TO LEAD NEW METH TASK FORCE IN U.S. HOUSE
LATHAM WILL CO-CHAIR CONGRESSIONAL RURAL CAUCUS EFFORTS
The Congressional Rural Caucus (CRC) announced recently that Congressman Tom Latham (R-IA) and Congressman James Oberstar (D-MN) will lead the new Special Taskforce on Methamphetamine in Rural America. The announcement was made last week in Washington during the Special Taskforce's first meeting which was a panel discussion focusing on the regulation of pseudoephedrine.
"We are concerned Members of Congress joining together to directly focus on a drug that is taking hold of a growing number of America's communities," said Congressman Latham. "It is my belief that this task force can greatly contribute to the goal of empowering governments, communities, schools, neighbors, parents and grandparents in combating the horrific plague of meth."
"I was pleased to be asked to serve as a co-chair of the CRC's new Special Taskforce on Methamphetamine. The explosion of meth has already taken a brutal toll on children, families and the environment in rural America, including my district in Northern Minnesota," said Congressman Oberstar. "I look forward to working with Congressman Latham and other CRC members to find a balanced, comprehensive approach to effectively eliminate this highly addictive and treatment-resistant drug."
"In Congressmen Latham and Oberstar, the Task Force is fortunate to have two experienced and extremely knowledgeable members leading the charge against meth," noted CRC co-chair Congressman John Peterson. "I'm grateful to them for their leadership on this issue, and I look forward to working with them in the very near future to address this serious problem."
The Special Taskforce on Methamphetamine was created to educate Members of Congress about the meth issue, as well as to ensure that all Congressional efforts to address the meth problem give strong consideration to the needs of law enforcement, drug treatment providers, and consumers throughout rural America.
http://www.tomlatham.house.gov/PAGES/PRESS05/07.06.05.htm