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March 15, 2005

Wu: Bill Advances to Protect Children and First Responders From Methamphetamine

Washington, D.C. - Congressman David Wu, Ranking Member of the Science Subcommittee on Environment, Technology and Standards, issued the following statement in support of the Methamphetamine Remediation Research Act of 2005 (H.R. 798), which was approved by the subcommittee today:

"Meth abuse and production in the U.S. has grown to epidemic proportions during the past five years. Meth creates havoc in our local communities - stretching thin our law enforcement and community service resources.

"Unlike other drug epidemics, the meth epidemic also leaves toxic waste sites wherever meth has been produced. Meth is frequently made in residential settings where children are present and where chemical residue can harm the health of current and future residents.

"States are taking action to address this issue. Oregon has been especially active in developing guidelines for the cleanup of former meth labs. However, states need additional assistance in their efforts and this is the gap filled by this bill. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this bipartisan legislation."

H.R. 798, authored by House Science Committee Ranking Member Rep. Bart Gordon (D-TN), and co-sponsored by a bi-partisan group of legislators including Rep. Wu, would provide the research structure for the development of health-based cleanup guidelines. It also provides for a study of the long-term health impacts on children found in meth labs and first responders who enter meth labs.

This bill passed out of the subcommittee by a unanimous voice vote today and moves to the full Science Committee for approval.