Bipartisan, bicameral legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) that declares methamphetamine an emerging drug threat requiring a national plan became law on Monday with the president’s signature.
“I am proud to have helped usher this legislation through Congress and into law,” Rep. Curtis said.
President Joe Biden on March 14 signed into law the Methamphetamine Response Act of 2021, S. 854, introduced on March 18, 2021, by U.S. Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA). Rep. Curtis and U.S. Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA) on the same day introduced the identical bill, H.R. 2051, in their chamber.
The measure designates methamphetamine as an emerging drug threat (a new and growing trend in the use of an illicit drug or class of drug), and directs the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to implement a methamphetamine response plan, according to the congressional record bill summary.
“Communities across Utah and the United States are facing the challenges created by increased methamphetamine abuse and addiction, which has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rep. Curtis. “Recognizing the need for bipartisan federal policy, the Methamphetamine Response Act designates this as an emerging drug threat. It will develop and implement a nationwide plan to thwart the presence and usage of this highly dangerous drug.”
The ONDCP plan must be updated annually and include several components, such as 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 summary of the bill provided by Rep. Curtis’ staff.
Additionally, the plan must include 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, as well as performance measures pertaining to the plan’s goals, among other items, the summary says.