Darlene Hooley: “I appreciate being offered the time. In my three decades of public service, I have never seen a problem as pervasive or…”

“I appreciate being offered the time. In my three decades of public service, I have never seen a problem as pervasive or as damaging as the meth epidemic faced by my home State of Oregon. Talking to law enforcement leaders about the meth problem, I have heard one message loud and clear. Local law enforcement lacks the money needed to extinguish this wildfire. The Byrne-JAG program is an effective partnership between Federal authorities and State and local law enforcement. It enables State and local leaders to leverage resources in key areas and facilitates collaboration among law enforcement, treatment and prevention programs. Last year, the Byrne task forces nationwide seized 5,600 meth labs, 55,000 weapons, and massive quantities of narcotics, including 2.7 million grams of methamphetamine. Many States have already been forced to cut or completely eliminate their gang and drug task forces. If we don't increase funding for the Byrne-JAG program, those cuts will only be deeper. I urge my colleagues to support the Kennedy amendment.”