[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 107 (Wednesday, September 13, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1465]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     FSC REPEAL AND EXTRA-TERRITORIAL INCOME EXCLUSION ACT OF 2000

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                               speech of

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 12, 2000

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, American taxpayers will choke on the 
discovery that HR 4986 contains a big tobacco subsidy. In effect, this 
bill holds American taxpayers responsible for coughing up $100 million 
per year, in lieu of taxing the tobacco industry on income from 
cigarette sales in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
  According to the World Health Organization, 10 million people will 
die annually by 2030 from smoking, 70 percent in developing countries. 
Why should American taxpayers subsidize the spread of tobacco-related 
diseases and cancer in the world's poorest countries? That's what HR 
4986 does.
  Supporters of the bill may argue that a wider spectrum of business 
benefits from HR 4986 than merely the tobacco industry, so why ``throw 
the baby out with the bath water.''
  This is, however, a false choice. We could have considered this bill 
under regular order, where members could have offered amendments. It is 
only because the House leadership brought this bill up under suspension 
of the rules, and as a consequence, no member can offer an amendment, 
that we are faced with rejecting the whole bill because of the tobacco 
subsidy.
  But I urge my colleagues to confront the situation we have been 
given, and still insist on what is right. Take a deep breath and reiect 
this bill.

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