Bunning: ‘FDA Has No Business On The Family Farm"

Statement

Bunning: ‘FDA Has No Business On The Family Farm"

U.S. Senator Jim Bunning today issued the following statement opposing the FDA Tobacco Regulation Bill.

"Whatever the opponents of tobacco say, there is no denying that this bill will place unnecessary mandates and expenses on our farmers in an effort to punish the big tobacco companies. This sweeping legislation would drastically increase the FDA's regulatory authority outside of the scope of original Congressional intent. It is nothing more than an attempt to eliminate our national tobacco industry.

"In Kentucky, the family farm is the foundation for who we are as a state. For over a century, the family farm in Kentucky has centered around one crop -- tobacco. We are proud of our heritage and proud that tobacco plays a role in our history. Even after the buyout, tobacco still plays a prominent role in Kentucky's agricultural landscape. We have tried to broaden our agricultural base and we have had some success with several vegetables, cattle and raising catfish. But at the end of the day, nothing brings as much of a return to the small farmer in Kentucky as tobacco. Its big business for our small farmers.

"I have always believed that as long as tobacco is a legal commodity it should be regulated through the USDA, not the FDA. The FDA has no business on the family farm. And while I agree that we should do all that we can to keep cigarettes out of the hands of our kids, this bill is not the answer. We can and should do better. The only people this bill is going to hurt in the end are the small and honest farmers who depend on tobacco to pay their bills."

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