Zoe Lofgren: “Mr. Speaker, a number of comments have been made, and accurately made, in the course of this debate. The gentleman from…”

“Mr. Speaker, a number of comments have been made, and accurately made, in the course of this debate. The gentleman from North Carolina pointed out that the committee process was truncated midway and this bill brought directly to the floor, and that is the truth. There have been comments made that prevention and treatment is the most effective tool against drugs in America, and I think that it is clear that is true. Our own Governor Wilson's administration released a report last year showing that treatment and prevention efforts were massively more successful in fighting drugs than just pure law enforcement. However, that does not mean that we should not pass this bill today, and I highly recommend it. I agree with the speakers who said that sentencing for crack and powdered cocaine should be equalized. I agree with that. But that is also not about this bill. Unfortunately, speed and methamphetamine is an equal opportunity drug. You will find it being manufactured in suburban and rural areas all across California. It is a very dangerous drug, not only to the users, but to neighborhoods.”