[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 17 (Wednesday, February 11, 2004)]
[House]
[Page H495]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1900
                       TOBACCO BUYOUT LEGISLATION

  (Mr. GOODE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. GOODE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of tobacco buyout 
legislation. The consensus measure is H.R. 3160. We need to eliminate 
the Federal quota program. If we do such, American tobacco will be more 
competitive with foreign tobacco. A buyout would end the tobacco quota 
system; and a number of tobacco farmers, particularly the older ones, 
will cease to grow tobacco.
  Many quota holders and growers have invested a considerable amount of 
money in the current tobacco program over the years. They deserve 
compensation for their loss, and that compensation can come from 
tobacco.
  If we adopt legislation for a tobacco buyout, it will greatly benefit 
south Virginia, southwest Virginia, much of North Carolina, South 
Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, and several other 
States.
  I hope we can see positive action on tobacco buyout legislation soon.

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