Kennedy to seek tighter reins on tobacco
Senator Edward M. Kennedy this month will revive a long-stalled bill giving the federal government broad regulatory authority over the sale, distribution, and advertising of tobacco products.
While the Food and Drug Administration can regulate nicotine-replacement therapies, it has no oversight over cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, nor can it prevent sales of those tobacco products to youths.
"Smoking is the number one preventable cause of death, yet over 4,000 children have their first cigarette every day," said Kennedy, Democrat of Massachusetts . "We cannot in good conscience allow the Food and Drug Administration -- the federal agency most responsible for protecting the public health -- to remain powerless to deal with the enormous risks of tobacco."
The legislation is part of a handful of sweeping bills that Kennedy and others will seek to pass as Democrats begin running Congress. Republicans like Tom DeLay , the former House majority leader who helped to thwart tobacco regulation, are no longer in office.
"We are confident that the legislation will be considered and passed in this Congress," said Bill Corr , executive director of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids . "The new Democratic leaders are all supporters. And the old Republican leaders were all opponents." . . .
Paradoxically, Congress could draw support for the legislation from within the tobacco industry.
Philip Morris USA , which recorded $1.3 billion in income in the third quarter , is among those "strongly" supporting FDA regulation of tobacco products, even if it means paying user fees to cover the expenses.
