Louisville, Kentucky – The chances of passing a tobacco buyout through Congress could be improving. House Speaker Dennis Hastert has committed to work on the legislation. That is according to U.S. Representative Ernie Fletcher, who made the statement yesterday during the Kentucky Farm Bureau's Annual Convention.
Fletcher says he does not want to raise expectations too high, but points out the Speaker's commitment is "a good first step". Fletcher introduced one of nine tobacco buyout proposals in the last Congress. The program would pay farmers for surrendering government-granted allotments that dictate how much tobacco can be grown. The issue will resurface when Congress reconvenes next month.