Chairman Souder, thank you for affording me the opportunity to appear before you today to discuss the problem of methamphetamine in America. As a former prosecutor in a small town, I am well acquainted with the toll that methamphetamine takes on a community. For an individual, the use of methamphetamine is eventually devastating to one's mind, body, and potential. Collectively, the criminal activity, environmental and economic harm, and danger to children that results from methamphetamine use and production make the drug a significant threat in communities where it is found.
My testimony today contains two parts. First, I will briefly outline the extent of the methamphetamine problem, including what we know about who is using it, how it affects the user, where it comes from, and the impact on local communities, including the lasting impact of toxic methamphetamine labs. Second, I will describe the government's approach to methamphetamine within the context of the President's National Drug Control Strategy. Much of the burden of tackling methamphetamine falls on the shoulders of state and local agencies, so I will also address federal support of state and local governments.
