U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced today that the House of Representatives has approved $17.85 million for a variety of drug interdiction and eradication programs that benefit southern and eastern Kentucky. Through Rogers’ leadership, Operation UNITE, drug enforcement operations in the Daniel Boone National Forest, nation-wide prescription drug monitoring programs, and marijuana eradication efforts by the Kentucky National Guard all received funds this summer during consideration of the FY10 federal budget.

“I applaud the House for passing these important funding measures to rid our communities of drugs. As our region continues to tackle the epidemic of drugs, it is comforting to know that Operation UNITE and state and local law enforcement partners will be able to carry on their successful programs and rid our streets of drug pushers while drug users get the help they need,” said Rogers. “The combination of crime investigators, church pastors, educators, and medical professionals has made a tremendous impact on our neighborhoods and has taught our young people of the serious dangers of drugs. Operation UNITE brings hope to our region as its vital work strengthens communities, offers addicts a way out, and encourages families to live drug free.”

The following is a summary of the 2010 funding passed by the House of Representatives:

• $4.45 million for Operation UNITE’s law enforcement operations was included in the FY 2010 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations bill which passed on June 18, 2009. One of UNITE’s priorities is creating drug task forces for interdiction, confiscation and undercover operations.
• $2 million for Operation UNITE to continue its school substance abuse counseling, curriculum development, substance abuse treatment and voucher programs was included in the FY 2010 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Bill passed on July 24, 2009. UNITE also organizes local citizens’ groups, coordinates drug treatment programs, and works with educators to expand drug awareness programs in local schools in an effort to keep the region drug-free.
• $7 million for the Hal Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program to continue efforts throughout the country to monitor prescription drugs through state-sponsored purchase tracking programs was included in the FY 2010 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations bill which passed on June 18, 2009. With the rising numbers of people abusing prescription drugs and selling them illegally, this system operates in 33 states and allows law enforcement and the medical community to effectively monitor drug distribution and diversion.
• $900,000 for marijuana eradication, methamphetamine lab disruption, and drug enforcement in the Daniel Boone National Forest was included in the FY 2010 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, which was approved by the House of Representatives on June 26, 2009. Law enforcement will work to keep this national treasure drug free and safe.
• $3.5 million for the Kentucky National Guard to continue counter-drug efforts throughout the Commonwealth was included in the FY 2010 Defense Appropriations Bill passed on July 30, 2009. The Kentucky National Guard is a critical part of state-wide drug prevention activities and is working hard to ensure that Kentucky is a better place to live as drugs are taken off the street. T

These legislative measures await further action by the U.S. Senate.

Through his role as a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rogers works to secure valuable funding for important initiatives in the Fifth Congressional District.