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Cigar smokers, retailers, manufacturers and distributors can breathe a little easier as the U.S. House of Representatives failed to override President George W. Bush’s veto of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program bill (H.R. 976) on October 18.
The vote was fairly close to the 288 votes needed, as the final tally was 273 in favor and 156 against.
International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailer Association legislative director Chris McCalla sent a note to the trade stating "We wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your perseverance, tenacity, vigilance, and persistence in contacting your U.S. congressmen and congresswomen, and your senators through phone calls, emails, faxes, and personal visits to their district and Capital Hill offices. Without your support and direct action we simply would not have made the noise we did in Congress, gaining the attention of influential members that now understand our niche community-industry cannot absorb a massive tax increase and continue to exist.
"This is only the first round in what will most likely be a continuing battle for the next several months. As SCHIP expansion and extension of the current program will be sought by congressional Democrats. We have already begun communicating and working with congressional leaders and their states, taking the position that if a tax increase in cigars must exist, that a realistic, manageable increase must be a part of the overall proposal
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