Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2021

Bill 117 HR 3982, also known as the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2021, aims to provide regulatory relief for traditional large and premium cigar manufacturers. The bill seeks to exempt traditional large and premium cigars from certain regulations imposed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.

The bill defines a traditional large and premium cigar as a cigar that is wrapped in whole tobacco leaf, contains 100% leaf tobacco binder and filler, is not a cigarette or little cigar, weighs more than 6 pounds per 1,000 units, and does not have a characterizing flavor other than tobacco. The bill also sets forth labeling requirements for traditional large and premium cigars.

The purpose of the bill is to preserve jobs in the traditional large and premium cigar industry by reducing the regulatory burden on manufacturers. Supporters of the bill argue that the FDA regulations have disproportionately impacted small businesses in the cigar industry and have led to job losses and decreased consumer choice. Opponents of the bill argue that exempting traditional large and premium cigars from FDA regulations could have negative public health consequences, as these products are still harmful and addictive. They also argue that the bill could undermine the FDA's authority to regulate tobacco products and protect public health. Overall, Bill 117 HR 3982 is a contentious piece of legislation that highlights the ongoing debate between industry interests and public health concerns in the regulation of tobacco products.