Orrin Hatch: “I am pleased to inform my colleagues that we have reached an agreement on final language for S. 1177, the Prevent All…”

“I am pleased to inform my colleagues that we have reached an agreement on final language for S. 1177, the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking, PACT Act of 2003, which my friend Senator Kohl and I introduced on June 3, 2003. The manager's amendment makes the PACT Act even stronger than as introduced. The distinguished Senator from Wisconsin and I originally introduced the PACT Act because of our concern that contraband cigarette trafficking both damages the economies of several States and contributes heavily to the profits of organized crime syndicates, including global terrorist organizations. When we reported this bill from the Judiciary Committee on July 31, 2003, I pledged to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to address any and all concerns they had with the legislation. The result of this bipartisan effort is a piece of legislation that will prevent cigarette and smokeless tobacco smuggling and ensure the collection of tobacco excise taxes without infringing upon the rights of Native Americans or consumers.”