Just received the following letter today from my House Representative, and Judiciary Committee Chairman, the Honorable F. James Sensenbrenner.

He is a very good rep, and a good man...though you'd like to see his reply.

March 18, 2004

Dear DD:

Thank you for writing to express your views about legislation to strengthen and modernize the "Jenkins Act." I appreciate the opportunity to clear up misinformation about the House version of this bill, H.R. 2824, also known as the "Internet Tobacco
Sales Enforcement Act."

Congress enacted the Jenkins Act in 2949 in order to deter cigarette smuggling and to assist States in achieving compliance with laws that require the payment of tobacco taxes by consumers. An estimate shows that States may lose up to $1.4 billion
in 2005 if Congress does not soon provide law enforcement and tax collection authorities with tools required to enhance their compliance efforts.

In the first session of the 108th congress, a related bill sponsored by Senators Hatch and Kohl, S.1177, was approved by the US Senate. That bill contains a provision that prohibits the "transmission in the mails of any tobacco product, including cigarette...and smokeless tobacco."

For a number of reason, including concerns that this language may prohibit the delivery of cigars via email, this provision was not included in H.R. 2824. I have asked for, and received, assurances from the House bill's sponsors that they will not seek to
include this language in their legislation.

H.R. 2824 was considered by the Judiciary Committee, which I chair, on 1/28/04. After adopting an amendment, which made no mention of the sale of cigars, this legislation was ordered reported by a voice vote. This measure now awaits action by a full
house. I will be sure to keep your thoughts in mind as this bill continues to move through the House. Rest assured that should the House and Senate convene a conference committee on this legislation, I plan to oppose any effort to include provisions which would prevent the sale of cigars through the mail.

Thank you for taking the time to contact me.

Sincerely,
F. JAMES SENSENBRENNER, JR.
Member of Congress

Should have read...

"Congress enacted the Jenkins Act in 1949"

Thank you Double D for taking the time to contact this fine gentleman and for posting his most pleaseing reply.

thanks, DD!

had to chuckle at this, though:
"this language may prohibit the delivery of CIGARS VIA EMAIL..."

whoa! we can get cigars sent to us by email now?! 😮 i'd better go check to see if the humidity in my in-box is okay! 😉

Another typing error to correct...

For a number of reasons, including concerns that this language may prohibit the delivery of cigars via the mail (not email).

DD

Are UPS, FedEx, etc... considered mail? I hope this doesn't pass, but if it does, I hope they leave a giant loophole.

DD are you from Wisconsin?? Is that the same Jim Sensenbrenner from when I was a kid growing up in Milwaukee???? If it is...WOW, that guy is like 100 years old!

I got about the same letter from my guy too.

GIG'EM,
Dan

TR

Yep, he's been serving here forever.

DD: doh! bummer! and here i thought that the honorable representative had the screw up. 😛

(not trying to bust ya' chops -- i seriously thought the rep. had meant just that-- cigars by email). 🙂

I also wrote my State Senator about this matter and recieved a reply nearly the same as DD posted with one addition and it was. "If they do worm this bill through with the wording that has caused so much concern then you can be assured it does NOT mean you can not ship via privare carrier such as UPS and FedX,the wording does not include these types of shippers." That was Tom Dashel of South Dakota..TinMan

well, after sending something like 2 dozen emails to my rep, i got BUPKIS. now i know who NOT to be voting for. 😛 i mean, come on... give me an auto-reply, SOMETHING!