Tom Udall: “The important legislation before us today, H.R. 545, allows tribal governments to apply for three programs vital to the…”

“The important legislation before us today, H.R. 545, allows tribal governments to apply for three programs vital to the fight against methamphetamine: the COPS Meth Hot Spots program, the Drug-Endangered Children program, and the Pregnant and Parenting Women Offenders program. These programs were authorized last year as part of the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act, which was included in the U.S. PATRIOT Act reauthorization. Unfortunately, tribal governments were unintentionally left out as possible applicants for the Hot Spots and Drug-Endangered Children programs. And while tribes are included as eligible applicants for the Pregnant and Parenting Women Offenders grant program, clarifying language was needed to ensure there is ample coordination with tribal service providers.”