Tobacco bill destined to pass Senate

With the Democrats wrapping up debate on the Iraq legislation, one of its committees will hold a vote on a bill aimed at giving the FDA authority to regulating tobacco.  The ultimate goal of some Democrats is to institute a new tobacco tax, and use the money to pay for children's health care:

The long-debated bill to give the Food and Drug Administration thepower to regulate tobacco begins to move forward today, when the Senatehealth committee is expected to pass it — after a bruising fight.

Republicans, including ranking member Michael Enzi of Wyoming, Richard Burr of North Carolina, and Orrin Hatch ofUtah, are expected to offer more than 30 amendments. They are alllikely to be voted down by the Democratic majority led by the bill’slead sponsor, committee Chairman Edward Kennedy ofMassachusetts. Public-health group lobbyists who support Kennedy’s billsay that most of the amendments would either weaken the legislation orchange it in ways that would hurt its chances of clearing the fullSenate.

The bill's chances of clearing committee are great.  It is also likely that the Senate will conduct a full vote on this issue before the August recess.

Comments

[Tony]

Damn! I better sneak a "PayPal" button onto the site!

[granny]

Oh well. Thank goodness! Getting the FDA involved will certainly give us all a big sense of relief.