I got this back.
Dear Brandon:
Thank you for contacting me about regulations on tobacco products. It’s good to hear from you, as always.
In February 2017, Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) introduced the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2017 (S. 294). The bill would exempt traditional large and premium cigars from regulations and fees imposed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, where it awaits further consideration.
I share your concerns regarding specific excise taxes—these taxes are not only an ineffective revenue generator, but they also arbitrarily target specific groups and users. I am generally opposed to using taxes, such as disproportionately high taxes on tobacco products, to influence behavior. Rather, I believe that federal taxes should be used to generate revenue to pay for important functions of the federal government, such as providing for the defense of our country.
Moreover, in these challenging economic times, I believe our taxes are too high overall, as well as too complicated. Please know that I am committed to reducing our taxes, simplifying our tax code, and eliminating discriminatory taxes to reduce the tax burden on citizens and return power from Washington to taxpayers.
As we move forward in the 115th Congress, I will be sure to keep your concerns in mind. And I hope you will continue to keep me informed of your opinion. A well-functioning republic depends on active citizens to inform their elected representatives of issues of concern and to hold elected officials accountable. I’m always grateful to hear from my fellow citizens on matters of public policy.
I am truly honored to serve as your Senator; please know that your interests and affairs have my unceasing attention. Always feel free to call my office at (202) 224-2353 or visit
www.cotton.senate.gov.
Sincerely,
Tom Cotton
United States Senator
