[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 118 (Monday, July 23, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1597]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     INTRODUCTION OF THE ENHANCED METHAMPHETAMINE TREATMENT GRANTS 
                             ASSISTANCE ACT

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                          HON. DARLENE HOOLEY

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 23, 2007

  Ms. HOOLEY. Madam Speaker, battling the meth epidemic is one of my 
top priorities here in Congress. Last year we passed the Combat 
Methamphetamine Epidemic Act and I was pleased that the legislation 
included several important international meth precursor controls that I 
drafted. We've made good progress with controlling the supply of meth 
precursors and other enforcement issues, but so far treatment issues 
have been largely neglected.
  This is why I am introducing the Enhanced Methamphetamine Treatment 
Grants Assistance Act. My legislation will create three separate grant 
programs under SAMHSA, each one targeted at a particular treatment 
need.
  The first grant program will award grants to community organizations 
to coordinate wrap-around services for meth addicts rejoining the 
community. I've heard over and over again just how important these 
wrap-around services are, like housing and transportation assistance, 
job training and ongoing mental health counseling. Meth treatment does 
not end when an addict leaves a treatment facility. They need 
comprehensive services that will help keep them off meth and rebuild 
their lives, which is why my bill will help communities build a network 
of these vital wrap-around services.
  The second grant program is an expansion of the existing substance 
abuse treatment program for pregnant and postpartum women to include 
all parents. Priority will still be given to those pregnant and 
postpartum women, but we're also going to make sure that parents can 
get treatment too so that they can get clean and keep their children 
out of the foster care system.
  Finally, the third grant program will target those addicts who 
actively seek treatment, only to find out that they will have to wait 
months before a bed will be available to them. My legislation directs 
grant money to treatment programs that are going to target the people 
who just can't get treatment, no matter how badly they want it, so they 
don't have to go through the criminal justice system to receive help.
  I am committed to expanding treatment resources so providers have the 
resources to reach more people and addicts can get the help they need. 
I urge my colleagues to join me in this goal and to support the 
Enhanced Methamphetamine Treatment Grants Assistance Act.

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