WASHINGTON, D.C. : House Backs Aid for Tobacco Growers
Smoking opponents narrowly lost a bid to deny government-subsidized crop insurance and technical assistance to tobacco growers. The 212-210 vote in the House came after three hours of intense debate over an amendment to the $53.1-billion spending bill for the Agriculture Department and other agencies. The bill then passed on a 351-74 vote. Rep. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.) led the fight for tobacco opponents. The amendment would have diverted the $25 million in savings for spending on rural health care and rural water and sewer plants.
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