Jan. 7, 2008 

Dear Mr. Linn,

Thank you for contacting me about industrial hemp farming. I am honored to represent you, and I appreciate your active participation in our legislative process.  Your involvement makes democracy work better by helping me more effectively represent you and Illinois' Eighth District.

Your letter is one of thousands I've received from concerned citizens about hundreds of issues.  I am working diligently to respond thoughtfully to these topics of concern, and I hope you will forgive the delay in my response.

As you may know, Representative Ron Paul of Texas introduced H.R. 1009, The Industrial Hemp Farming Act, in April 2007. This bill would legalize hemp grown for commercial products. Although the production of industrial hemp is prohibited under The Federal Controlled Substances Act-it can be imported into the U.S. At this time, H.R. 1009 is pending before the House Committee on the Judiciary. If this bill comes to the floor of the House of Representatives for a vote, I will be sure to keep your thoughts in mind.

Thank you again for contacting me about this important issue. I am proud to serve Illinois' Eighth District, and I am committed to working hard for you. Please do not hesitate to write, call, or email if I can ever help you in any way.

Sincerely,

Melissa L. Bean

Member of Congress

P.S. To stay informed on this and other important topics, visit my website at www.house.gov/bean to subscribe to e-news updates.