Harkin Fights for Strong Legislation to Fight Meth Epicemic
HARKIN FIGHTS FOR STRONG LEGISLATION TO FIGHT METH EPIDEMIC
Committed to Federal Bill as Strong as Iowa's Law
Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today wrote to Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller underscoring his commitment to only supporting federal pseudoephedrine restriction legislation that is as strong as Iowa's law. On Thursday, July 14 the Senate Judiciary Committee plans to address the Combat Meth Act, federal legislation that would crack down on methamphetamine distribution and use by requiring that all products containing pseudoephedrine are kept behind a pharmacy counter. Harkin has already strengthened this federal legislation and encouraged members of the Senate Judiciary Committee to utilize the hearing to address any remaining concerns regarding state exemptions.
"Iowa's pseudophedrine law should be the model for the nation. I believe we need a strong federal meth law, and that is why I am working to ensure that the Combat Meth Act is as strong as Iowa's law," said Harkin. "I hope that the Senate Judiciary Committee will work to improve this bill even more, so that we can not only fight meth in Iowa, but across the nation."
Harkin has successfully included the following changes in the federal legislation:
Covers all pseudoephedrine products including liquid; Limits the cumulative amount of pseudoephedrine purchased per month to 7.5 grams; Allows Iowa law to reamin in effect until the federal law is totally implemented; Allows Iowa to continue to restrict sales of pseudoephedrine to pharmacies only; Allows Iowa to continue to have additional security requirements for in-state distributors; Allows Iowa to continue to restrict sales of pediatric products; Allows limited sale of pseudoephedrine in airports in a way that mirrors Iowa's retail exception; Allows for continued prosecution of Iowa's civil penalties
"Fighting meth requires a comprehensive, nationwide approach," said Harkin. "A dramatic reduction of meth labs is already occurring in Iowa. If we can make Iowa the model for the nation, I believe we have a greater chance of success in our fight against meth throughout the country."
http://harkin.senate.gov/news.cfm?id=240499