U.S. Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) recently introduced a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would designate methamphetamine as an emerging threat in the United States.
Such a designation then would require the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to develop, implement and make public a national plan to prevent methamphetamine addiction and overdoses from becoming a crisis, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Curtis’ office on March 18.
“Over the last decade, methamphetamine addiction and fatalities have skyrocketed across the United States – especially in rural areas like the ones I am proud to represent,” Rep. Curtis said. “The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the problem by spreading resources thinly and making it more difficult to connect with individuals in need of support.”
To combat this threat, Rep. Curtis introduced the Methamphetamine Response Act, H.R. 2051, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA), which he said “channels the necessary resources at the highest levels of government to develop and implement a nationwide plan to prevent this dangerous drug from becoming even more prevalent in our communities.”
U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) also on March 18 introduced their version of the bill, S. 854, in the U.S. Senate.
The ONDCP plan required under the measure would be updated annually and include an assessment of the methamphetamine threat, including the current availability of, and demand for the drug, and evidence-based prevention and treatment programs, as well as law enforcement programs, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Curtis’ office.
The plan also would require short- and long term goals, including those focused on supply and demand reduction, and on expanding the availability and effectiveness of treatment and prevention programs, among other provisions, the summary states.
“Our bill helps law enforcement better respond to the challenges presented by drug traffickers’ evolving tactics, and urges our federal partners to continue to prioritize a response and strategy to address the meth crisis,” Sen. Grassley said.