H.R. 1639 / S. 1461 is the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act. This is a proposed amendment to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act clarifies the Food and Drug Administration's jurisdiction over certain tobacco products, which currently affects the manufacturing and distribution of traditional and premium cigars.

            This is a serious issue that could dramatically affect the cigar community in many negative ways.  Some possible examples are: no more walk in humidors (Canadian model); limits on advertising and promotions; bans on the very word cigar or tobacco; Manufacturer submission of blends to FDA for "testing." Before heading to your local shop - imagine the impact on premium cigar makers including limited new product introductions; price increases and possible end to boutique manufacturing.

         As a member of the advisory board of IPCPR, our industry's trade association, I have taken action. Along with other members of the board of the IPCPR, I traveled to Washington D.C. on February 10th to stump the hill. We split into squads of four and visited our representatives and senators at the Capitol. In our effort, my squad visited California Rep. Sam Far, New York Rep. Peter King, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, Michigan Rep. Dave Camp, North Carolina Senator Kay Hagan, Florida Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Florida Rep. Ander Crenshaw and many more. I even had the privilege to smoke a cigar with our Kansas Rep. Kevin Yoder while overlooking the beautiful National Mall lit up at night. What an unforgettable experience!