FDA Regulation of Tobacco Expected Next Year

By Media General News Service Published: Thu, October 09, 2008 - 8:30 pm The measure passed the House this summer with overwhelming support, but a threat from Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., to block it and a veto threat from the White House helped stall it in the Senate. The Senate left town last week without bringing it up for a vote and is unlikely to do so even if lawmakers return after the election. William V. Corr, executive director of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, a public-health advocacy group, said he expects shifts in the political landscape will ensure passage in 2009. Unlike President Bush, both John McCain and Barack Obama strongly support giving the FDA the authority to restrict tobacco marketing and set standards for nicotine levels in cigarettes. And an increase in support for the measure in the Senate this... [read full story]