U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Kennedy (R-La.) have introduced the Preventing Unnecessary Resource Expenditures (PURE) Act, a bill designed to give law enforcement stronger tools in fighting methamphetamine trafficking by removing the legal distinction between pure and impure methamphetamine.
Senator Cruz stated, “The distinction between pure and impure methamphetamine complicates enforcement and hampers justice. The PURE Act updates outdated rules so our criminal laws reflect modern science, strengthens the ability of law enforcement to pursue drug traffickers, and ensures the American legal system remains fair and clear. I am proud to join Senator Kennedy in introducing this legislation.”
Senator Kennedy added, “Meth addiction is tearing families apart in Louisiana and across America. Our law enforcement officers should be able to fight this poison without having to jump through pointless, burdensome and expensive hoops. The PURE Act scraps outdated rules that waste precious time, burn through millions of taxpayer dollars and keep our communities less safe. I urge my colleagues to support this common-sense measure—it’s long overdue.”
The bill is also cosponsored by Senators Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). Senator Hagerty said, “The drug overdose epidemic is devastating communities across the United States. The PURE Act closes an antiquated loophole that burdens drug testing laboratories and delays justice. I’m pleased to support this effort to empower our prosecutors and hold methamphetamine dealers accountable.” Senator Graham noted, “It should be easier for law enforcement to go after the people who bring dangerous drugs like meth into our communities – not harder. Meth is responsible for the destruction of countless lives, families and entire communities across the country, and it contributes to numerous other crimes. This legislation removes outdated standards and empowers law enforcement to adequately hold meth traffickers accountable. I’m glad to work with Senators Kennedy, Cruz and Hagerty on this necessary bill.”
The PURE Act aims to establish a single legal standard for methamphetamine rather than maintaining separate standards for its pure or impure forms. By eliminating an older rule that officials say wastes resources and slows prosecutions, supporters believe the legislation will make it easier for prosecutors and crime labs while ensuring equal treatment under current drug trafficking realities.
Ted Cruz has a record of winning elections in Texas Senate races over recent years; he defeated Colin Allred in 2024 with 53.1% of votes compared with Allred’s 44.6%, won against Beto O'Rourke in 2018 with 50.9% versus 48.3%, and prevailed over Paul Sadler in 2012 by earning 56.5% against Sadler’s 40.6%.
