The letter below is from Sen. John Cornyn to a Vote Hemp supporter in reply to a letter asking him to become an original cosponsor of the Senate version of the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2011.

Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX)

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.

May 31, 2011

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me regarding proposals to decriminalize hemp cultivation in the United States.  I appreciate having the benefit of your views on this matter.

While I recognize that hemp varieties were once common in American agriculture, and that imported hemp fiber and by-products still serve a number of legitimate commercial purposes, I share the concern of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency that decriminalizing hemp farming could increase the incidence of illicit marijuana cultivation and complicate federal surveillance and enforcement measures.  However, you may be certain that I will keep your thoughts in mind should relevant legislation be introduced during the 112th Congress.

I appreciate the opportunity to represent Texans in the United States Senate.  Thank you for taking the time to contact me.

Sincerely,
JOHN CORNYN
United States Senator

517 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Tel: (202) 224-2934
Fax: (202) 228-2856
http://www.cornyn.senate.gov

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