On June 6, Americans for Tax Reform joined 8 other organizations representing millions of taxpayers and consumers to sign a coalition letter addressed to the House Committee on Appropriations to support Sections 768 and 769 of the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. These sections ensure that no funds provisioned by the bill can be used to implement a maximum nicotine level for cigarettes, to prohibit menthol flavors for cigarettes or cigars, or other special flavors for cigars. Importantly, ATR has written previously in support of these provisions against the FDA’s attempts to limit consumer choice.
The Letter notes the impact that tax hikes and bans can have on smuggling and organized crime and warns about a possible expansion of the black market. A rise in smuggling risks causing an increase in fentanyl smuggling and other dangerous, illicit drugs. The increase in criminal activity would force customs and enforcement to divert their already overstretched resources to implement this ban. Instead of imposing limitations and hampering consumer freedom, the letter advocates for educating consumers to better empower them to make educated choices.
The letter then mentions how beneficial Sections 768 and 769 would be for consumers:
The protections included in Sections 768 and 769 of this bill would prevent overreach by regulators that would have significant negative impact on taxpayers, farmers, retailers, consumers, manufacturers, state and local governments, and supply chains across the country.
The letter ends by once again imploring the committee to preserve these provisions in order to protect everyday Americans.
You can read the full letter here.