Washington, D.C. - The bipartisan co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus to Fight and Control Methamphetamine expressed frustration today with the president’s budget for fiscal year 2007.  The budget eliminates funding for Byrne-Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) and cuts funding to Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) – programs that are vital to the fight against meth.

“I’ve seen the destruction meth leaves in its wake.  It’s a problem that has reached every corner of our country.  We formed this Caucus to fight this epidemic, and that’s exactly what we are going to do.” said Rep. Chris Cannon (R-UT).

After sitting down with members of the administration in September 2005 to discuss the need for a comprehensive federal strategy on meth, the co-chairs were particularly disappointed to see that the president eliminated funding for Byrne-JAG.  Byrne-JAG is a program that provides grant money for multi-jurisdictional drug task forces.  These funds enable cooperation and coordination among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies as they work together to bust drug trafficking rings.  

“We have big challenges to tackle in this country, and fighting meth is one of them.  I’m terribly disappointed that the President has cut this funding.  Iowa, along with other states, needs federal resources to fight this dreaded problem.” said Rep. Leonard Boswell (D-IA)

The president’s budget also cuts funding to the COPS program.  COPS is one of the only federal programs designated to help local police forces with staffing needs.  The president’s budget reduces funding from $478.3 million in fiscal year 2006 to $102 million in fiscal year 2007.

“The president’s budget does nothing to protect our nation’s communities from the threat of methamphetamine.  Instead, the administration continues to force local and state law enforcement to carry the burden of this battle.” said Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA).

“Through the budget and appropriations process, Congress will continue to vigorously address the meth epidemic.  The Meth Caucus will work with the Administration and our colleagues in Congress to restore and increase the funding for anti-meth programs.  While I support the President’s effort to reign in the Federal budget, our battle against meth must remain strong.” said Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA)

The Congressional Caucus to Fight and Control Methamphetamine is made up of 139 Members of Congress and is co-chaired by Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA), Rep. Chris Cannon (R-UT), Rep. Leonard Boswell (D-IA), and Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA).  Among other goals the Caucus works to raise national awareness of the dangers posed by meth abuse and to advance strong public policy to fight against meth manufacturing, distribution, and use.

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