Washington, D.C. —
Senator John Thune today offered a bipartisan amendment to the Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Resolution that would provide an additional $99 million in budget authority for funding of the COPS Meth Hot Spots program. The COPS Meth Hot Spots program trains state and local law enforcement to investigate and prosecute meth offenders. Senator Thune's amendment was accepted by Unanimous Consent.
"The devastating effects of meth abuse can be seen all over South Dakota, particularly on our Indian reservations," said Thune. "Meth use in rural communities has many negative consequences, and local law enforcement in rural and urban communities alike need the resources to effectively combat meth trafficking and abuse."
Senator Thune's amendment would also allow for funding for environmental expenses relating to the clean-up of toxic chemicals used to produce meth. Meth producers frequently dump waste into streams, rivers, fields, and sewage systems, and clean up of these sites requires specialized training and can cost between $2,000 and $4,000.
Senator Thune has offered similar amendments to the Fiscal Year 2008 and 2009 budget resolutions. Both were also accepted by Unanimous Consent.
"The devastating effects of meth abuse can be seen all over South Dakota, particularly on our Indian reservations," said Thune. "Meth use in rural communities has many negative consequences, and local law enforcement in rural and urban communities alike need the resources to effectively combat meth trafficking and abuse."
Senator Thune's amendment would also allow for funding for environmental expenses relating to the clean-up of toxic chemicals used to produce meth. Meth producers frequently dump waste into streams, rivers, fields, and sewage systems, and clean up of these sites requires specialized training and can cost between $2,000 and $4,000.
Senator Thune has offered similar amendments to the Fiscal Year 2008 and 2009 budget resolutions. Both were also accepted by Unanimous Consent.
