The letter below is from Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-CA 10th District) to a Vote Hemp supporter in reply to a letter asking her to support ndustrial hemp farming in the United States.

If you receive a reply from one of your elected representatives please email a copy of it to us at hempinfo@votehemp.com. It will help with our lobbying efforts to know the contents of these letters. We will not publish your name or address and hold them in confidence.

March 13, 2009

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me regarding hemp farming. I have reviewed your comments and welcome this opportunity to share my views.

I am concerned about illegal drug use. Drug use and related crime permeate every corner of our society, afflicting our cities and rural communities, affecting young and old alike. The vast majority of Americans share a desire to be rid of illegal drugs, and I am committed to reducing drug use and its destructive consequences.

However, I believe that hemp has potential agricultural and industrial uses so long as hemp cultivation does not undercut national anti-drug policies. As you know the Industrial Hemp Farming Act, HR 1009, was introduced in the 110th Congress and referred to the Committee on Energy & Commerce and the Committee on the Judiciary. This legislation has yet to be reintroduced in the 111th Congress, however, be assured I will keep your thoughts in mind if it comes before the House.

Correspondence from constituents like you is essential to my work in Congress, and I hope that you will continue to inform me of your concerns.  I value your input as I work to shape national policies to reflect the views of California's 10th District.  To keep abreast of my work, please visit my website www.house.gov/tauscher to sign up for my newsletter, e-tauscher. If I can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact my office at 925-932-8899 or 202-225-1880.

Sincerely,

Ellen O. Tauscher
Member of Congress