Letter to George W. Bush, President of the United States of America

July 27, 2006

President George W. Bush
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear President Bush,

We write today to request the establishment of a "National Methamphetamine Prevention Week," to draw attention to the growing problem of methamphetamine abuse and increase public awareness of the drug's dangers.

We are pleased to notify you of the recent passage of two identical bills, House Resolution 556 and Senate Resolution 313, expressing the sense of the House and Senate that a "National Methamphetamine Prevention Week" should be established. This national observance - the first to draw attention to the growing epidemic of methamphetamine abuse - would provide communities with a valuable opportunity to educate citizens on how to prevent the use of this damaging narcotic, and would increase awareness of international, Federal, State, and local efforts to fight methamphetamine production and abuse.

The establishment of this national observance now would be both timely and appropriate. Methamphetamine continues to invade communities across America. The Drug Enforcement Administration reports that seizures of methamphetamine labs within the United States have more than doubled in a recent 5-year period, from 7,438 in 1999 to 17,170 in 2004. Methamphetamine can be easily produced using over-the-counter ingredients in illegal "meth labs" set up throughout communities in homes, apartments, or cars. The volatile and toxic ingredients used to produce this dangerous and highly addictive drug can pose significant health risks to anyone exposed.

The evolving nature of this threat further exemplifies the need for continued education. In recent years, we have seen the number of domestic meth lab seizures decline in some areas and increase in others as the epidemic moves from west to east. For example, in 1999, there were 2,579 raids on domestic meth labs in the State of California, while only 439 were seized in Missouri. By 2004, seizures of meth labs in California had dwindled to 764, while seizures in Missouri had increased to an astonishing 2,788. As efforts to stop the domestic production of methamphetamine have gained momentum, imports from Mexico and abroad have supplemented domestic supply.

If we do not take immediate action to reduce the damage caused by methamphetamine use in the United States, we will continue to see its effects ripple through our communities. We look forward to working with you in proclaiming a "National Methamphetamine Prevention Week" as soon as possible. In addition, we encourage you to establish this week of observance in accordance with standard school schedules, providing an opportunity for primary and secondary schools throughout the country to engage students in activities to promote meth prevention. Thank you for your prompt attention to this issue.

Sincerely,

Maria Cantwell
United States Senator

Brian Baird
Member of Congress

http://www.house.gov/list/press/wa03_baird/methweek072706.html