On July 26th, Senator Marco Rubio, R-Fla., spoke from the Senate Floor in defense of the Premium Cigar industry. In his remarks, the Senator laid out the uniqueness of the premium cigar industry and the existential threat facing small businesses, including the J.C. Newman factory in Ybor City, Fla. if current FDA regulations are left unabated.
The video of the speech can be seen via the C-Span website at: https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4742275/sen-rubio-cigar-speech-july-26-2018
In a statement, IPCPR applauded Senator Rubio’s continued dedication to bring awareness to this critical issue for Ybor City, the State of Florida and small business retail jobs around the country. Along with Senator Bill Nelson, D-Fla., Senator Rubio has led the bipartisan charge in the Senate to define and exempt premium cigars from the FDA’s short-sighted regulatory framework.
Senator Rubio reiterated his commitment to resolving this issue and working with his colleagues in the Senate and the House on the Fiscal Year 2019 Appropriation’s process. The House Agriculture Appropriations Bill currently has language which not only provides for a premium cigar exemption but also amends the current flawed predicate date established under the deeming rule.
IPCPR has stated it will continue to work with Senator Rubio and his colleagues on Capitol Hill who recognize the peril facing this industry to find a just and timely resolution.
