Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr. (R-Lafayette), praised House passage of the Drug Endangered Children Act of 2007, designed to help state and local officials better serve the thousands of children each year found living in meth-producing homes.
 
“Methamphetamine drugs put innocent children at terrible risks,” said Boustany.  “Drug producers and peddlers are ruining the lives of many in our communities, not just those who use drugs.  This bill helps our local law enforcement officials care for children who are found in these terrible situations.”
 
Provisions in the Combat Meth Act of 2005, passed in the 109th Congress mandated the U.S. Department of Justice make grants available to states in order to carry out programs designed to aid children found living in a home in which methamphetamine are manufactured, distributed, dispensed, or used. The legislation passed last night extends this program for an additional two years.  It passed by a vote of 389-4.
 
The bill, H.R. 1199, will now be sent to the U.S. Senate for further consideration.