Tobacco Documents Online

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LAI~Iy J. HO;=ialv~, K~.NTUCKY'. PAT 1~0~ E.'tTS, KANSAS September 21, 1987 Mr. CharlesHughes Post Office Box 487 Stedman, Nc 28391 Dear Mr. Hughes: Thank you for your recent letter concerning the importance of recognizing the rights of airline passengers to have a separate smoking section in an aircraft. I agree with the points you raised concerning the necessity of having certain designated areas on an airplane for smoking, particularly in light of the problems that can be caused in flight if someone does smoke in a lavatory. When an amendment was offered earlier this year to limit smoking on flights of a short duration, I did not support the amendment, and I want to assure you that I will continue to oppose efforts to restrict smoking on airlines. Once again, thank you for writing. If I can be of further assistance to you on this or any other matter, I certainly hope that you will not hesitate to contact me. With best wishes. Charlie Rose Chairman TI0045-1258

WASH|NGTON~ D.C. 20510 September 8, 1987 Mr. Charles Hughes P.O. Box ~87 Stedman, North Carolina 28391 Dear Mr. Hughes~ Thank you for your letter regarding legislation to ban smoking on airline flights. I appreciate having your commen'ts. The current airline smoking restrictions which separate smokers and nonsmokers are reasonable and favored by the majority of passengers. Every passenger who requests one is guaranteed a seat in a no-smoking section even if a smoking section must be reduced or eliminated. I have never suggested that there is anything "healthy" about the excessive use of any number of products--including cigarettes. I have always supported the position that the choice to smoke tobacco or not is a question that should be left to the indivldual--not the federal government. Until the majority of the American people decide to make cigarette smoking illegal, I will continue to fight for the rights of the farmers in my state to grow a legal product and make a living. Again, I appreciate your sharing your views with me on this controversial and divided issue. With ~._"~dest r~:g~.rds. Sincerely, Jesse Helms United States Senate JH/grv TI0045-'1259

ALFONSE D'N4JAT0 52o HART BUILDING NEV~ YORK [202) 224-6542 WASHING'I'ON, DoC. 205t0 September 11, 1987 Ms. V. Kurtz 20083 Suncrest Drive Booksville, Florida 3~601 Dear Ms. Kurtz: Thank you for contacting me and please excuse the delay in replying. • ~.~= "~'.'~ o~ Representatives passed the amend- ed va~ ...... ~.9 .... ne Yransportatlon Appropriations Bill, by a vote o~ 28~-i0~. One of the more controversial amendments was Ho~~~nt Noo 350. Simply stated, Amendment No. 350 ,ba1~s all smokin~.g~n domestic commercial flights of 2 hours or Forces on both sides of the smoking issue are gearing-up for. a battle on whether or not this amendment will be included in the final version of this bill. Smokers are concerned that any type of ban no matter how limited will eventually encompass all air travel on U.S. carriers. Many feel that the current regulations specifying that all non-smokers are guaranteed a seat and relegat- ing smokers-to one portion of an aircraft are good enough. Non-smokers argue that the confines of an airplane necessi- tate a smoking ban. They cite the potential health hazards of second-hand smoke permeating the cabin, affecting all of the pas- sengers; especially children. Flight attendants, too, complain that, due to the nature of their jobs, they breathe in excessive amounts of passive smoke. Airline pilots, on the other hand, are worried about potential fires that could be started by passengers smoking illegally in the lavatories. H.R. 2890 is currently before the Senate Appropriations Com- mittee, on which ~ serve. You may be certain that I will weigh the views of all my constituents as this bill is considered. I welcome the opportunity to address your concerns. Sincerely, Alfonse D'Amato United States Senator AD:es 260

• ~ DON FILTER 7"0: :',~ ~',) El For Your h~formation [] Hease Handle 6221 Hill Avenue, P.O. Box 7497 Toledo, Ohio 43615 Telephone: (419) 865-1151 TI0045-1261