The Politics Of It All

[Skitalets]

I sent a letter to my Congressman around the same time as this thread popped up, and I finally got a fairly positive response! I did not expect this from my Rep and especially appreciate the acknowledgement that our hobby is "totally legitimate" and he feels we are worth protecting from unintended consequences. See below:

Dear Mr. XXXXXXXXX,

Thank you for contacting me to express your support for the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2011 (H.R. 1639). I appreciate hearing from you.

I share your concerns about the potential implications of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations on the premium cigar industry. While I support FDA efforts to limit the sale and marketing of nicotine products to minors, I agree that poorly targeted regulations could have the unintended result of unduly interfering with the totally legitimate activities of adult cigar users and the premium cigar industry. Consequently, I will keep your thoughts in mind should this bill reach the House floor for a vote.

Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. Please do not hesitate to contact me whenever I may be of service.

Sincerely,
Chris Van Hollen
Member of Congress

 

[hdroadglide]

here is my REP senator's response. i have NEVER received ANY response when i send cigar info to the DEM senator. (claire mccaskillsucks)

Dear Bob,



Thank you for contacting me about H.R. 1639, the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Job Preservation Act of 2011.



As you know, Representative Bill Posey introduced H.R. 1639 on April 15, 2011. This bill would exempt premium cigars from regulation under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, which was signed into law on June 22, 2009. The bill is currently pending in committee.



Our nation's small businesses, the backbone of our economy, create half of all private sector jobs. At a time when unemployment is roughly 9 percent, an increase in marginal tax rates would stifle small business job creation. During a recession, our priority must be to help businesses succeed. By creating a business-friendly environment with reasonable tax burdens and restricting overreaching government regulation, small businesses can have an opportunity to thrive.



Should this or other legislation affecting premium cigars come to the Senate floor for a vote, I will be sure to keep your thoughts in mind.



Again, thank you for contacting me. I look forward to continuing our conversation on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SenatorBlunt) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/RoyBlunt) about the important issues facing Missouri and the country. I also encourage you to visit my website (blunt.senate.gov) to learn more about where I stand on the issues and sign-up for my e-newsletter.


Sincere regards,

Roy Blunt
United States Senator

 

[calgon]

Mine was slightly different....of course i am in a state that is more open to these types of subjects....

Dear Stephen,

Thank you for contacting our office H.R. 1639, the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Preservation Act of 2011. I value your input on this important topic and appreciate the opportunity to respond.

As you may know, H.R. 1639 was introduced by Representative Bill Posey (R-FL) on April 15, 2011. This legislation would amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to exempt traditional large and premium cigars from regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and from user fees assessed on tobacco products by the FDA. Specifically, the bill would ban the FDA from imposing many new cigar limitations, such as restricting advertisements and promotions, requiring manufacturers to submit blends for government testing, and regulating traditional cigars in the same manner as cigarettes and other tobacco products. The Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Preservation Act of 201 1 currently awaits further consideration by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Like you, I am concerned about burdensome federal regulations that stifle economic growth and hinder job creation. Please know, I believe Congress must empower individuals and small businesses to create jobs by removing onerous and oppressive federal regulations. Although I do not serve on the Energy and Commerce Committee, I will certainly keep your thoughts and concerns in mind should H.R. 1639 reach the House floor for a vote.


Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me. I am humbled and honored you have afforded me the opportunity to represent you in the United States House of Representatives. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future about issues of importance to you. Feel free to visit my Congressional website at http://southerland.house.gov or contact our office with any future concerns.








Sincerely,

Steve Southerland, II
United States Representative

 

[BradMc]

And here is what My Rep. said .......

December 8, 2011



Dear Mr. McKelvy,

Thank you for contacting my office regarding your thoughts on H.R. 1639, the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2011.


As you may know, Representative Posey introduced this legislation on April 15th and it was referred to the House Subcommittee on Health. Currently, it is still being debated in committee. As an unyielding advocate of the free market, I believe that the best ways to jump-start the economy are to cut taxes and deregulate. Being a previous small business owner myself, I understand that excessive government regulation and prohibitive taxes can mean the difference between a growing business and closing your doors. It is my hope that in this legislative session, we will be successful in creating more private sector jobs for our citizens, not taking existing jobs away.

I appreciate you bringing this bill to my attending and I will certainly consider co-sponsorship. I welcome input from you and all my constituents as your Representative in Congress. Thank you once again for contacting my office to express your concerns.


Sincerely,

Jeff Duncan
Member of Congress

 

[hogfarmer]

Got the same response. At least they know we're out here.

 

[heavyd]

Politicians think they are untouchable...and maybe they are. That's the sad part.

 

[Jonathan Drew]

Guys,

I read every single one of your response letters. I know it seems like these politicians don't care about our thoughts due to the cold and non committal manner in which they write back. But they do matter, every single one of them. I applaud your efforts in sending them and posting them for us all to read.

As of today, we are OVER 130 CO SPONSORS in the House and ready to start our Senate Push. Mary Landrau (D) joining us in the Senate recently was a major victory and is due to yours and other friends efforts. WE CAN WIN One letter at a time, One vote at a time.

SINCERELY,
JONATHAN DREW

 

[crispy_monkey]

Guys,

I read every single one of your response letters. I know it seems like these politicians don't care about our thoughts due to the cold and non committal manner in which they write back. But they do matter, every single one of them. I applaud your efforts in sending them and posting them for us all to read.

As of today, we are OVER 130 CO SPONSORS in the House and ready to start our Senate Push. Mary Landrau (D) joining us in the Senate recently was a major victory and is due to yours and other friends efforts. WE CAN WIN One letter at a time, One vote at a time.

SINCERELY,
JONATHAN DREW

Good to see things are moving along in a positive light. I really appreciate the contributions to my silly little post.