CONGRESSMAN BRIAN BAIRD

"With the testimony of our law enforcement officials, I was pleased to win an increased federal appropriation this year for the methamphetamine program operated by the U.S. Department of Justice. The appropriation passed by the Senate allocated only $25 million for the meth program. The final funding that I was able to secure, $35 million, is still not enough to fully halt the spread of this widening problem, but we can all be proud of this small victory.

I have also initiated a formal review of the boundaries of the Northwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). Based on the severity of the meth problem in Southwest Washington, I believe that the Northwest HIDTA should be expanded to include and serve these additional counties. HIDTA will directly assist our local law enforcement agencies in strategically fighting meth.

I am also introducing new legislation to provide greater assistance and training for local law enforcement agencies to close down meth production facilities. This massive problem requires a strong federal-state-local partnership.

The dramatic increase in methamphetamine labs in Southwest Washington strikes at the very heart of our communities, and I am committed to continuing our efforts to obtain an adequate level of funding. Law enforcement agencies must have the financial resources, training, and information to carry out the vital and dangerous tasks required to achieve positive results.

I look forward to continuing to work with Lt. Governor Owen, law enforcement officials, and other anti-drug leaders to fight methamphetamine abuse throughout Southwest Washington."