[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 88 (Friday, June 14, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1092]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           TOBACCO SUBSIDIES

                                 ______


                            HON. RANDY TATE

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 13, 1996

  Mr. TATE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to address the House today on the 
important matter of tobacco subsidies.
  In the November 1994 elections, the American people voted for a 
Congress that would balance the budget, scrutinize every cent the 
Federal Government spends and examine every Federal program, including 
corporate welfare.
  This Congress is serious about ridding the Tax Code of ridiculous 
corporate welfare breaks. We are working hard to lower spending and to 
put more money back into your pocket. Corporate welfare must end, my 
constituents demand nothing less.
  Last year, during consideration of the fiscal year 1996 agriculture 
appropriations bill, I voted for a Durbin amendment to eliminate two 
major programs that benefit the tobacco industry--Federal crop 
insurance for tobacco farmers and tobacco-related extension services. 
Mr. Durbin offered a similar amendment this year where the $25 million 
in savings derived from cuts in tobacco subsidies will be used to fund 
programs to ensure that every American family has safe water to drink 
and to improve telecommunications systems in rural areas. I support 
this amendment.
  In an era of deficit reduction, when we are working hard to balance 
the budget and lower taxes for American families, the Government should 
not continue to subsidize a prosperous tobacco industry.
  The time for cheating our children has ended. The time to balance the 
budget has arrived. America's future requires a new dialog and a new 
partnership with the American people. That is what I am dedicated to 
achieve, and that is why I have consistently voted to end egregious 
corporate welfare programs that take money away from hard-working 
Americans and give it to wealthy corporations.
  Mr. Speaker, it is very difficult to justify a program that benefits 
the tobacco industry while hurting American families. For this reason, 
I have opposed tobacco subsidies in the past and will oppose tobacco 
subsidies in the future.

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