Washington, DC -- In a major victory in the effort to fight methamphetamines, the Senate today unanimously approved legislation by U.S. Senators Jim Talent (R-Mo.) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif) to limit access to cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine, the primary ingredient used to make methamphetamine.  The Senate approved the Talent-Feinstein bill by unanimous consent adding it to the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill.  The appropriations bill has already passed the House and is expected to pass the Senate as early as next week.

The Talent-Feinstein legislation would move cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine behind the pharmacy counter and limit how much one person can buy to 7.5 grams a month.  It is modeled after the successful Oklahoma law that resulted in an immediate 80 percent drop in meth labs seized.  The comprehensive bill also authorizes $43 million in new anti-meth funding for law enforcement, training and treatment. 

“This is a great day for those threatened by meth,” said U.S. Senator Jim Talent.  “Our bill would strengthen anti-meth laws passed in other states and it establishes the gold standard in the country to restrict the sale of products with pseudoephedrine so we can finally get ahead of the meth cooks.  Sen. Feinstein and I worked closely with law enforcement on this bill because we wanted to address the problems they are facing on the ground.  As a result, the legislation we passed today is the toughest, most comprehensive anti-meth plan every considered by the Congress. 

“I want to commend Sen. Feinstein for her leadership,” Sen. Talent said.  “She’s been a tireless leader for ten years in the fight against meth and it’s been a pleasure to work with her on this issue.”

“I believe this is a giant step forward,” said U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein.  “This bill will put thousands of meth labs out of business across the country.  It establishes a strong national standard for limiting access to pseudoephedrine, but also gives States the flexibility to enact even tougher laws.  It’s not the total solution, but will make a major difference in preventing cold medications from being used to cook meth. Now it’s up to the House to accept this provision in conference and send it to the President for his signature.

“Let me thank Senator Talent for his leadership on this issue,” Sen. Feinstein said.  “He’s been great to work with.  The fact that this is a bipartisan effort in a day of intense partisanship is hopefully a beacon for the future.”

The bill:

• Moves cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine behind the counter – amends the Controlled Substances Act to appropriately limit the sale of medicines containing pseudoephedrine by placing them behind the counter and sets a limit on how much of such medicines one person can buy in a month – 7.5 grams.

• Requires signature and identification for purchases – The Attorney General will develop regulations to ensure uniformity.

• Creates alternate procedures for stores without pharmacies and stores in rural areas – The Drug Enforcement Administration and States will be able to develop additional procedures to continue to allow cold medicine to be sold at retail stores without pharmacies and in rural areas (but which meet appropriate security criteria), consistent with the intent of the bill to limit access to pseudoephedrine.

• Establishes a uniform federal standard that strengthens all existing state laws.

• Creates a national Meth treatment center – to research effective treatments for Meth abuse.

• Authorizes $43 million for enforcement, training, and research into treatment. This includes:
• $25,000,000 for local law enforcement and federal prosecutors to bring meth manufacturers and dealers to justice
• $13,000,000 for meth treatment and research
• $5,000,000 to help children who have been affected by meth

Once the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill passes the full Senate it will go to a conference committee between the House and the Senate.

Background

Methamphetamine is perhaps the most deadly, fiercely addictive and rapidly spreading drug the United States has known. During the past decade, while law enforcement officers continue to bust record numbers of clandestine labs, meth use in communities has increased by as much as 300%.  Meth is cheap, potent, and available everywhere.

The continuing proliferation of methamphetamine production continues to put a severe strain on federal and local law enforcement resources. Fighting meth requires a comprehensive approach designed to assist states, local law enforcement and prosecutors to crack down on cooks and traffickers of meth while enhancing community education and awareness and treatment options for those addicted to this dangerous drug.

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