Lawmakers try again to curb meth addiction, improve rehab centers

A group of congressmen have reintroduced a bill aimed at tamping down on meth addiction.

The Methamphetamine Education, Treatment, and Hope Act would direct the Department of Health and Human Services to take charge on the screening and treatment of those addicted to methamphetamine and award grants to drug treatment centers in underserved or rural areas. 

The sponsors, Reps. Jerry McNerney (D-Calif.), Bobby Rush (D-Ill.), Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.), G.K. Butterfield (D-N.C.), Alcee Hastings (D-Fla.), David Valadao (R-Calif.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), are asking the department to develop programs that specifically help pregnant women and mothers battle addiction, as well as other programs that provide educational materials to prevent addition in youth.  

“Meth abuse is one of the most serious issues in northern California and across the country. It affects families and our community, and needs immediate action," McNerney said. “It is imperative that we address crime in our region and increase public safety. This bill will help keep our families healthy, safe and drug-free. When we see crime rates drop, especially usage of drugs like methamphetamine, our entire community benefits."

Lawmakers originally proposed the legislation in 2009, and while it passed the house by a voice vote in 2010, it failed to make it through the Senate.

The largest such law existing to prevent meth abuse is the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005, which was attached to the reauthorization of the Patriot Act in 2006. That legislation put a ban on the over-the-counter sale of cold medicines that contain pseudoephedrine, which can be used to make the illegal drug.