Taxpayers would provide an estimated $150 million...

Taxpayers would provide an estimated $150 million in disaster payments to tobacco growers under pending drought-relief legislation, a policy departure already drawing fire from anti-smoking forces. “This is a step out of line with the ordinary no-net-cost” program of price supports for tobacco, “but it’s because of the special situation of the drought,” said Rep. Charles Rose (D-N.C.), chairman of the House tobacco and peanuts subcommittee.