Hagel Cosponsors Bill to Combat Methamphetamine Use

Hagel Cosponsors Bill to Combat Methamphetamine Use

U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) is cosponsoring the Combat Meth Act being introduced today. The Combat Meth Act provides resources and tools to states, local law enforcement and prosecutors to combat the production and distribution of meth.

"Methamphetamine abuse is a huge problem in Nebraska and puts a severe strain on federal and local law enforcement. Fighting meth requires a comprehensive approach that helps state and local law enforcement officers and prosecutors crack down on traffickers of meth while enhancing community awareness and treatment options for those who are addicted," Hagel said.

The Combat Meth Act would do the following:

• Add $15 million to the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program to train state and local law enforcement to investigate and lock-up meth offenders;
• Provide $5 million in grant funding to assist and educate children that have been affected by the production of methamphetamine;
• Provide $5million to hire additional federal prosecutors, and train local prosecutors in state and federal meth laws;
• Amend the Controlled Substances Act to appropriately limit and record the sale of medicines that contain pseudoephedrine, which are methamphetamine precursors;
• Authorize the creation of a Meth Research, Training and Technical Assistance Center which will research effective treatments for meth abuse and disseminate information and technical assistance to states and private entities on how to improve current treatment methods.

The bill will go to the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration.

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