Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019
Floor Speech
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Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Madam Speaker, I commend the House Energy and Commerce Committee for including language in the Protecting American Lungs and Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 (H.R. 2339) to more appropriately treat premium cigars, which are marketed to and enjoyed by adult consumers. However, a $12 per cigar price requirement is arbitrary, impossible to enforce, and puts states like Pennsylvania at a significant disadvantage.
Pennsylvania is home to small business premium cigar retailers, importers, distributors, and farmers who grow tobacco used in hand- made cigars. The history of cigar tobacco farming in Pennsylvania dates to the 1700s, and today, farmers in the Commonwealth produce the coveted cigar leaf. Numerous premium cigar mail order companies are based in Pennsylvania, due to the state's favorable business climate. In fact, Pennsylvania is second in the nation in premium cigar industry jobs, and my district is home to small businesses who proudly serve their adult consumers.
The Commonwealth is also one of few states without an additional tax on premium cigars. When I was in the Pennsylvania State Senate, I fought against proposals to impose such a tax, which would have crippled small businesses and hurt consumers. If a price requirement like the one proposed in this bill were enacted, small businesses in my district and across Pennsylvania would be disproportionately impacted, as more products in their humidors would fall below $12 than products in other states that are subject to higher taxes.
Madam Speaker, while I am grateful this bill acknowledges that premium cigars are marketed and enjoyed solely by adults, a $12 price requirement will devastate Pennsylvania's cigar industry. As Congress and the Trump Administration continue to work to address important issues related to regulation of tobacco products, I urge removal of an arbitrary price point that picks winners and losers.
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