Contact Your Legislator
Congress is currently considering legislation to help combat the illegal sale of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products. S. 1147, The “Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act of 2009” (the PACT Act) would close a number of gaps in current federal law regulating “remote” or “delivery” sales of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products. Remote sales include sales of untaxed or low-taxed cigarettes over the Internet, or by mail or telephone order, to consumers in higher tax areas, without paying the taxes owed where the consumer is located. The PACT Act has already passed the House of Representatives by an overwhelming margin, and we are working to get the Senate to pass the bill and send it to the President for signature.
LETTER TO SENATORS
I urge you to support for S. 1147—the “Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act of 2009” (the PACT Act).
A broad coalition of public health advocates, tobacco trade associations, tobacco retailers, law enforcement organizations and states strongly support prompt passage of the PACT Act.
The PACT Act closes a number of gaps in current federal law regulating remote or delivery sales of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products. Many remote sellers—those who sell cigarettes and smokeless tobacco through the Internet or mail order—routinely violate state and local laws imposing taxes on cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products. As States continue to raise their excise taxes, tobacco users are increasingly turning to these remote sellers for illegal tax-free tobacco products. These remote sellers exploit an unfair competitive advantage by selling untaxed cigarettes to consumers. In addition, these sales occur without adequate age verification.
The PACT Act represents an important opportunity to help protect the legitimate channels of distribution for cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, is the product of a long process of discussion and negotiation among stakeholders, has broad support, and strikes the appropriate balance between the needs of law enforcement and the legitimate interests of affected parties.
The House has passed similar legislation—HR 1676—by an overwhelming and bipartisan majority. I urge the Senate to do the same. Please do everything you can to promote passage of S. 1147, the PACT Act. Doing so will help to remedy lost State excise tax revenue, promote the prevention of youth access to tobacco products and encourage a fair competitive environment for all tobacco retailers. Thank you for your consideration.
