The tobacco legislation may be our last chance to do right by these farmers.

The subcommittee will have a big role in shaping tobacco legislation.

"For the first time, Congress needs to enact tobacco legislation without asking the industry's permission," he said.

But with many more votes ahead, leaders decided to finish up the tobacco legislation next month.

In Washington, meanwhile, lawmakers are trying to determine what effect, if any, the records might have on the current debate over tobacco legislation.

If the committee cannot come to an agreement, then the prospects for tobacco legislation this year are slight.

The tax relief seemed likely to win more Republican support for the underlying tobacco legislation.

Many lawmakers still believe that some tobacco legislation will ultimately be enacted.

Under the tobacco legislation being considered in the United States, cigarette prices would increase by about 50 percent.

"Now we have this unprecedented opportunity to enact comprehensive tobacco legislation."