DRCNet Rapid Response Team
Stop Harsh New Methamphetamine Bill

An atrocious new bill sponsored by Rep. Mark Souder -- one of the worst and most irresponsible drug warriors in the US Congress -- would impose long mandatory minimum sentences on low-level, nonviolent methamphetamine offenders.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Oppose H.R. 3889

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

H.R. 3889 -- unrealistically titled "The Methamphetamine Epidemic Elimination Act" -- is a horrendous bill that Congress should reject. Draconian five-year mandatory minimum sentences for low-level crack cocaine offenses did nothing to reduce crack use; there is no reason to think that the same failed strategy will work for methamphetamine.

Furthermore, the so called "epidemic" of methamphetamine is more hype than reality -- the two national drug use surveys available that address this topic, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health and the Drug Abuse Warning Network -- do not show any rapid rise in meth use in recent years.

The United States has the world's highest incarceration rate, and heaping on more injustice is not the answer. Please reject H.R. 3889 and all similar bills.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
October 24, 2005


Background Information

An atrocious new bill sponsored by Rep. Mark Souder -- one of the worst and most irresponsible drug warriors in the US Congress -- would impose long mandatory minimum sentences on low-level, nonviolent offenders. The bill, H.R. 3889, which is unrealistically titled "The Meth Epidemic Elimination Act" (unrealistic because it will have no such effect and because there isn't truly an "epidemic"), would reduce the quantity of methamphetamine needed to trigger a 10-year minimum sentence to 5 grams -- even for mere possession -- or 5-years mandatory minimum for just 3 grams. The bill would also dramatically lower the amount of money and meth needed to trigger a mandatory life sentence under the "continuing criminal enterprise" law, and has other odious provisions.

Whatever you think about methamphetamine, we hope you'll agree with Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA), who pointed out during hearings that draconian 5-year mandatory minimum sentences for crack cocaine did not reduce crack use. H.R. 3889 will next be dealt with by the House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security. If it passes the subcommittee, it will go on to the full House Judiciary Committee. Both subcommittee chairman Howard Coble (R-NC) and committee chairman James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) are among the current 56 cosponsors of the bill. Please visit http://stopthedrugwar.org/justice/ to stand up against H.R. 3889 today!

We make this request for two reasons.  First, the sooner the signal is sent to Congress that this bill has sparked organized opposition, the better the chance will be that organizations like DRCNet who lobby Congress on drug policy will be able to derail it.  The second reason is that by doing so, you will also be letting us know what your Congressional district is (assuming you don't opt out), and we will then be able to send you an e-mail with your US Representative's phone number when the subcommittee and committee take the bill up, if you live in one of the districts represented on them.  This will take your impact and DRCNet's to another level.  So please visit http://stopthedrugwar.org/justice/ now!

The thousands of people you help by stopping this bill will never know how you helped them -- but you'll know.  Thank you for taking action.

P.S.  Some links for further information about this issue:

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