[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 35 (Thursday, March 14, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E362-E363]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         REGULATION OF TOBACCO

                                 ______


                            HON. MAC COLLINS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 14, 1996

  Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, many citizens in Georgia have 
concerns over the Food and Drug Administration's proposal to regulate 
tobacco. As a result, the Georgia House of Representatives passed a 
resolution asking the U.S. Congress to rescind any action giving the 
FDA authority to regulate tobacco.
  I submit Georgia House Resolution 980 for the Congress' careful 
consideration.

                        House of Representatives


                              H.R. No. 980

       By: Representatives Reaves of the 178th, Floyd of the 
     138th, Hudson of the 156th, Royal of the 164th, James of the 
     140th and others.

                              A Resolution

       Petitioning the President of the United States and the 
     Congress of the United States to rescind and remove any 
     action that would give the Food and Drug Administration 
     regulatory powers over the tobacco industry; and for other 
     purposes.
       Whereas the tobacco industry has been a vital part of the 
     economy of the State of Georgia for more than 250 years; and
       Whereas tobacco products are legally grown and produced in 
     this state for the enjoyment of adults who choose to use 
     those products; and
       Whereas tobacco growers are productive citizens of the 
     State of Georgia; and
       Whereas the plan by the Food and Drug Administration is to 
     severely and unnecessarily restrict the marketing of legal 
     products grown in the State of Georgia; and
       Whereas tobacco companies, growers, tobacco producing 
     states, and individuals who work within the industry 
     sincerely and publicly oppose young people smoking; and
       Whereas the laws of Georgia forbid the sale of tobacco 
     products to youth under 18 years of age; and
       Whereas the tobacco industry is more than adequately 
     regulated by other state and federal agencies and tobacco 
     products are the most highly taxed commodity in the country; 
     and
       Whereas FDA Commissioner Kessler has publicly stated that 
     he wants to put the tobacco industry, including our tobacco 
     farmers, out of business; and
       Whereas regulation of the tobacco industry by the FDA is 
     costly, unnecessary, and unwarranted.
       Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of 
     Representatives, That this body hereby petitions the 
     President of the United States and the Congress of the United 
     States to rescind and remove any action that would give the 
     Food and Drug Administration regulatory powers over the 
     tobacco industry.
       Be it further resolved, That the Clerk of the House of 
     Representatives is authorized and directed to transmit 
     appropriate copies of this resolution to the President of the 
     United States and the Congress of the United States.
       In House, Read and Adopted, February 26, 1996.
                                            Robert E. Rivers, Jr.,
                                                            Clerk.

[[Page E363]]



                       TRIBUTE TO DAVID E. SMITH

                                 ______


                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 14, 1996

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Commissioner David 
E. Smith, who is retiring from public office after many years of 
distinguished service to the city of Pleasant Ridge, MI.
  Throughout his career, Mr. Smith has been an active and influential 
leader in civic affairs and projects, with membership on a wide range 
of boards and organizations. In 1981, he began his service to Pleasant 
Ridge as a delegate and cochair of the Ferndale-Pleasant Ridge Cable 
Commission. This led to his membership on the Intergovernmental Cable 
Communications Authority. From 1985 to 1987 he was a planning 
commissioner, and in 1987 he was elected to the city commission, 
serving until 1996.
  While a city commissioner Mr. Smith was a member of the Pleasant 
Ridge Foundation and the city of Pleasant Ridge 75th Anniversary 
Celebration Committee. In these positions, as others, Mr. Smith earned 
the admiration and regard of the city, his colleagues, and the 
community at large. I congratulate him on his accomplishments and thank 
him for his service to the community.

                          ____________________