Govt Regulation of Smokes

Lawmakers have renewed their efforts to regulate tobacco

By: Rose Ann Haven | WKRG
Published: March 03, 2009

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WASHINGTON (AP) - With support from President Barack Obama,
whose been trying to kick the habit himself, lawmakers have renewed
their efforts to require government regulation of cigarettes.
While in the Senate last year, Obama co-sponsored legislation
that would have given the Food and Drug Administration authority to
regulate cigarettes and other tobacco products, to reduce the harm
from smoking.
The legislation passed the House last summer but faced a veto
threat from then-President George W. Bush and didn't get a vote in
the Senate.
Congressman Henry Waxman has announced plans to reintroduce the
legislation tomorrow.
Sen. Edward Kennedy plans to reintroduce a Senate version in
coming weeks.
Under the legislation, the FDA could demand the reduction or
elimination of cancer-causing chemicals in cigarette smoke. It
would ban candy-flavored cigars and cigarettes, and would give the
FDA authority to ban menthol.