The House on Wednesday by a veto-proof 326-102 vote approved legislation (HR 1108) that would give FDA the authority to regulate tobacco plant products, the New York Times reports (Saul, New York Times, 7/31). The measure, introduced by Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), would allow FDA to bachelor of Arts in Nursing flavored additives, with an exemption for menthol seasoner (Yoest, Wall Street Journal, 7/31).
Some black anti-smoking advocates criticized the exemption, noting that many blackened smokers exercise metholated cigarettes (New York Times, 7/31). The National African American Tobacco Prevention Network withdrew its support for the bill because of the menthol exemption (Alonso-Zaldivar, AP/Florida Times-Union, 7/30).
Seventy-five per centum of black smokers role mentholated tobacco products. Menthol brands explanation for some 28% of the $70 billion U.S. cigarette grocery store.
It is thought that menthol and other additives might mask the cruelty of tobacco, which could make it easier for teenagers to begin smoke. Researchers likewise have questioned whether menthol plays a role in disproportionate rates of malignant neoplastic disease related to smoking among blacks. A recent study from Harvard University establish that some cigarette makers intentionally "manipulated menthol levels to appeal young multitude" (Kaiser Health Disparities Report, 7/31).
To earn support from the Congressional Black Caucus, a provision was added to the measure that mandates a scientific advisory committee survey the personal effects of menthol flavoring and issue a recommendation within one year. FDA too would have to produce an military action plan on the advertising and advancement of menthol and other cigarettes to young people, particularly those in nonage communities.
Lorillard Tobacco Company in a statement said it opposed the bill only "welcomes the provision in this pecker that calls for a scientific revaluation of menthol in cigarettes." Lorillard produces Newport cigarettes, the ahead menthol make. According to the company, research to date has not found that menthol cigarettes ar more dangerous or addictive than cigarettes without menthol, the Times reports.
More Bill Details, Legislation's Future
Under the measure, FDA would not be allowed to eliminate nicotine from tobacco products or ban all tobacco products, though it would be able to reduce amounts of nicotine if it thought doing so would benefit public health (New York Times, 7/31).
The Senate version of the bill (S 625) "face[s] some formidable obstacles in the Senate, including a mingy time inning in which to act," CQ Today reports (Armstrong [1], CQ Today, 7/30). The criterion, introduced by Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), has 56 co-sponsors in the Senate. Melissa Wagoner, a voice for Kennedy, said that they ar waiting for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) to take the broadsheet to the Senate floor (Armstrong [2], CQ Today, 7/30). Sponsors of the bill aforementioned they hope the Senate will consider the flyer after the August respite. Regan Lachapelle, a Reid spokesperson, said that programming decisions for September hold not yet been established (Armstrong [2], CQ Today, 7/30).
The Bush administration opposes the lawmaking, the Washington Post reports (Stein, Washington Post, 7/31). The White House, in its statement of government activity position, aforesaid that allowing FDA to regulate tobacco products could "lead the public to mistakenly conclude some tobacco products ar safe." The administration likewise said that the fees levied to pay for FDA rule of the products would amount to a "new tax that would be paid disproportionately by low-income individuals" (Armstrong [2], CQ Today, 7/30). White House officials too said the bill could affect international trade agreements by forbiddance some imported tobacco products (Washington Post, 7/31).
Most public health groups support the measure, according to the Times (New York Times, 7/31). Philip Morris USA supports the bill, but other tobacco companies oppose certain provisions (Simon, MediaGeneral/Richmond Times-Dispatch, 7/30).
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