[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 146 (Thursday, November 15, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1757]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         STOP TOBACCO SMUGGLING IN THE TERRITORIES ACT OF 2012

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 14, 2012

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5934, 
the Stop Tobacco Smuggling in the Territories Act. This important bill 
would prohibit the trafficking of contraband cigarettes and smokeless 
tobacco in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin 
Islands, Guam, and American Samoa.
  This important and commonsense legislation was introduced by my great 
friend and colleague, Congressman Eni Faleomavaega. Currently, the 
federal criminal code prohibits the smuggling of tobacco in the states; 
however, tobacco products continue to be trafficked through the 
territories by individuals looking to avoid paying taxes. This practice 
does not only warp market prices and rob the government of thousands of 
dollars each year in tax revenue. It also contributes to the public 
health problems associated with smoking.
  I am proud to represent the 37th Congressional District of 
California, which is home to the largest American Samoan population 
outside American Samoa. The issue of tobacco smuggling matters to the 
loved ones and family members of my constituents, and it has become a 
priority of mine, as well. I am proud to stand with Congressman 
Faleomavaega, and I thank him for his outstanding leadership.
  Mr. Speaker, the passage of the Stop Tobacco Smuggling in the 
Territories Act will be an important step towards curbing this practice 
and restoring lost revenue back to local governments. I strongly 
support H.R. 5934, and I urge my colleagues to join me in strengthening 
the capacity of Samoan tobacco enforcement.

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