Bush Administration Opposes FDA Regulation of Tobacco

Is another health-related veto fight brewing in Washington? The Bush administration would “strongly oppose” a bill that would give the FDA the power to regulate tobacco, according to a letter Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt sent to House Republican Joe Barton. The Associated Press reported on the letter yesterday. The bill — which takes on a subject that’s been batted around for years in Washington — has a lot of support in Congress. It’s co-sponsored by 56 Senators (including both Obama and McCain) and 233 members of the House. It cleared a key House committee by a vote of 38-12 earlier this year, with the support of 11 Republicans. And, in part because the bill would prohibit the FDA from outlawing tobacco or banning nicotine, Philip Morris USA (part of Altria) is supporting the legislation, the AP notes.... [read full story]