[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 161 (Thursday, December 15, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2549]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              PATRIOT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. RICHARD W. POMBO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 14, 2005

  Mr. POMBO. Madam Speaker, yesterday the House passed the conference 
report to H.R. 3199, reauthorizing the Patriot Act. While much has 
already been said about the national security aspects of this report, I 
would like to commend my colleagues for including the Combat Meth Act 
in the report. The meth epidemic is sweeping the nation, and has become 
a major law enforcement problem in California's 11th District.
  All the law enforcement officers I meet with tell me that meth is the 
number one problem they face today. From manufacturers to dealers, and 
the attendant social crimes they create, meth is devastating 
communities across the country. Methamphetamine production and 
distribution leads to murders, assaults and property crimes. 
Additionally, there is an associated increase in domestic abuse, 
prostitution, child abuse and neglect, and homelessness. The provisions 
included in H.R. 3199 are a positive development in the fight against 
this scourge.
  H.R. 3199 will repeal the so-called ``blister pack exemption,'' which 
currently allows the sale of unlimited quantities of pseudoephedrine. 
Pseudoephedrine and other major precursor chemicals in meth production 
will now be classified as ``Schedule Listed Chemicals'' with a daily 
purchase limit of 3.6 grams. These drugs will now be kept in locked 
cabinets or behind the counter at drug stores and other retailers. 
These measures will help reduce the manufacture of meth in the United 
States.
  As meth is an international problem, the bill contains provisions for 
international monitoring, and funding for cooperative efforts with 
Mexico, a source of much of the meth in California. It also strengthens 
federal penalties against meth smugglers and traffickers.
  Finally, there is language to clarify that employers registered under 
the Controlled Substances Act may ask prospective employees about prior 
drug convictions, as a safeguard to ensure that people with access to 
controlled substances do not pose risks to the public welfare. This 
clarification is necessary to stop the diversion of drugs from 
pharmacies for illegal purposes. Currently, in many states, employers 
are not allowed to ask this critical question.
  Madam Speaker, as a member of the Methamphetamine Caucus, I applaud 
the passage of this important language. While we still have a long way 
to go in the war on meth, this is certainly a step in the right 
direction.

                          ____________________