Thomas Daschle: “for several years, those in tobacco country have been working to enact a program to transition tobacco farmers out of…”

“for several years, those in tobacco country have been working to enact a program to transition tobacco farmers out of the current tobacco quota program. At the same time, many of us have been working to give the Food and Drug Administration regulatory authority over tobacco. Today we have the opportunity to pass legislation that does both. In the finest tradition of the U.S. Senate, this amendment embodies compromise that represents a careful balance of often disparate and competing interests. While no member got everything they wanted, each participant has won important victories that made this proposal stronger. Senators from tobacco areas have been pushing for a tobacco buyout, to transition tobacco farmers from the antiquated quota system. Being from a rural State, I understand the economic engine that agriculture provides rural America. And, I appreciate the struggles that tobacco farmers have faced in recent years. The tobacco buyout included in this amendment provides tobacco farmers and quota holders important economic assistance as they transition from the current tobacco quota program to the free market. The buyout has several features that are superior to the House-passed buyout bill. First, the buyout is paid for through assessments on the tobacco manufacturers instead of by the taxpayers. Second, the legislation limits the production of tobacco to traditional growing areas.”