The Seneca Nation might spend up to $250,000 this year to target Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York) for co-sponsoring the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act.

The PACT Act prohibits the U.S. Postal Service from delivering cigarettes and certain tobacco products. The bill effectively kills the tribal tobacco industry.

“I propose that $250,000 be appropriated for a ‘get out the vote’ effort to educate and mobilize the thousands of workers, contractors, vendors and their families who are tied to the Nation’s $1.1 billion economy as to why Senator Gillibrand is harmful to the Seneca Nation and all of Western New York,” J. C. Seneca, a tobacco entrepreneur who serves as co-chairman of the tribe's Foreign Relations Committee, said in a letter, The Buffalo News reported.

Seneca said Gillibrand hasn't made an effort to discuss the issue with the tribe. Gillibrand's main concern is the illegal trafficking of cigarettes to children, a spokesperson said.

The House passed H.R.1676 by a 397-11 vote last May. The Senate is due to consider S.1147 in the coming weeks.

Get the Story:
Senecas threaten to target Gillibrand (The Buffalo News 1/25)

Relevant Documents:
2010-11 Executive Budget | Briefing Book

Related Stories:
Seneca Nation prepares for battle over cigarette taxes (1/20)
New York governor puts Indian tobacco tax in new budget (1/19)
Seneca Nation aims to defeat cigarette trafficking bill (01/12)