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Coalition to Stop Contraband Tobacco Applauds Senate Judiciary Committee for Passage of the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking (PACT) Act of 2009 

The Coalition to Stop Contraband Tobacco today applauded the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee for its passage of S. 1147, the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking (PACT) Act of 2009. The PACT Act will close the gaps in current federal law and will help combat the illegal sales of cigarettes and other tobacco products.

"We are gratified by the Senate Judiciary Committee's vote today approving S. 1147, the PACT Act," said Scott Ramminger, president of the American Wholesale Marketers Association, a member of the coalition. "The overwhelming bipartisan vote in the House, the diverse groups supporting this legislation and now the Senate Judiciary Committee's action speak clearly of the need for this important legislation."

Internet and other "remote" sales of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products have significant adverse consequences by undercutting state laws that prevent youth access to tobacco. Additionally these sales circumvent applicable state taxes and states lose substantial tax revenues.

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