Talent Talks Up Anti-Meth Legislation

Senator Jim Talent is talking up the Combat Meth Act – legislation he and Senator Diane Feinstein of California sponsor on the U.S. Senate. The most important element of the bill is one to restrict access to pseudoephedrine – an ingredient in cold medicines that is the key component in the making of methamphetamine. An individual would be restricted to purchasing 7.5 grams of these cold medicines each month. Talent says most people are aware of the crime, addiction, and environmental problems associated with meth, but then there are the costs that must be absorbed by cities and counties. He says the health costs for treating addicts are astronomical. The legislation is part of the Commerce, Justice and Scidnce Appropriations Bill. A House-Senate conference must iron out the differences between the chambers’ versions.