[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 154 (Friday, September 29, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S14744]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. HELMS (for himself, Mr. Faircloth, and Mr. Warner):
  S. 1295. A bill to prohibit the regulation of any tobacco products, 
or tobacco sponsored advertising, used or purchased by the National 
Association of Stock Car Automobile Racing, its agents or affiliates, 
or any other professional motor sports association by the Secretary of 
Health and Human Services or any other instrumentality of the Federal 
Government, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation.


                           nascar legislation

  Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, North Carolina is the home of professional 
auto racing and it is on behalf of literally thousands of Tar Heels and 
millions of other NASCAR racing fans across America that I today offer 
in the Senate the companion bill of the Motor Sports Protection Act 
which was introduced in the House on September 6 by the Honorable David 
Funderburk, who ably represents the Second North Carolina Congressional 
District.
  Mr. President, the announcement last month of plans by the Food and 
Drug Administration to designate tobacco has created much concern in my 
State, and other tobacco-producing southern States. This is an example 
of how Washington bureaucrats increase their regulatory power at the 
expense of the livelihoods of the Nation's farmers and manufacturers. 
The FDA's attack on tobacco advertising is sure to have a tremendously 
adverse effect on NASCAR racing.
  The issue is whether companies have a right to advertise 
their products. Advertising is a lawful act and tobacco is a lawful 
commodity. Unless and until tobacco is banned, proper advertising of 
this lawful product must not be denied by bureaucratic wherein.

  So, this bill will limit the Federal bureaucracy from imposing 
advertising restrictions on any sponsors of pro racing. The motor 
sports industry contributes more than $2 billion to the South's economy 
every year. Racing fans are hard working, law-abiding Americans--they 
don't deserve bureaucratic mistreatment.
  Mr. President, not too long ago, the ``King'' of racing Richard Petty 
retired. He left at a time when his name was synonymous with NASCAR 
racing. He was a perfect example of what can be accomplished with 
determination, faith, and family values. Richard Petty's success was 
built on the cooperation of his family, friend, and companies that 
supported him throughout his career.
  My friend, Richard Petty sends word that he will very much appreciate 
Senators' support of this bill, and so will I.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that additional material be 
printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

                                North Carolina Motor Speedway,

                               Rockingham, NC, September 19, 1995.
     Hon. Jesse A. Helms,
     Senate Dirkson Office Building,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Helms: I am writing to express my concern 
     about President Clinton's plan to regulate tobacco and their 
     sponsorship of motorsports events at North Carolina Motor 
     Speedway. The FDA's proposed regulation will have a severe 
     impact, not only on the Speedway, but also on Moore, 
     Richmond, and surrounding counties. Loss of sponsorships 
     might mean ticket prices could go up, quality of events and 
     facilities could go down, which could contribute to lower 
     attendance. Our area depends heavily on revenue from those 
     attending motorsports and other sponsored events. Local 
     communities will be an economic loser from reduced attendance 
     at events.
       I would appreciate you writing back to me with your views 
     on this important issue. Thank you.
           Sincerely,
                                                 Jo DeWitt Wilson,
                                                        President.
                                 ______