The letter below is from Rep. Rich Nugent to a Vote Hemp supporter in reply to a letter asking him to become a sponsor of the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2011.

Rep. Rich Nugent
(R-FL 5th District)

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 29, 2012

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for taking the time to contact my office regarding H.R. 1831, the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2011.  Without your correspondence, I would not be able to accurately represent you in Washington.

As you may know, Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX) introduced H.R. 1831.  This bill would make it legal for farmers to grow hemp, which is currently banned under the Controlled Substance Act.  Proponents of this bill believe that allowing the growing of hemp would open up economic opportunities to the agricultural community.

Legalizing any product that is a close relative of a Schedule 1 narcotic must be closely debated and reviewed.  The House Committee on the Judiciary is currently considering this proposal.  I am not a member of this committee, but rest assured that I will keep your thoughts in mind as this bill moves forward.

Thank you again for taking the time to express your opinions about H.R. 1831, the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2011.  The letters, emails, and calls I receive from you are the best way to keep up with what is affecting Florida's 5 th District.  If you have a free moment, please visit my website,  http://nugent.house.gov .  There, you can find more information about my stance on a variety of issues and sign up for "the SITREP," my weekly newsletter that discusses in the current issues Congress is considering.

Sincerely,
Richard Nugent
Member of Congress