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Senate Poised to Pass Tough New Tobacco Law

Bill will give FDA authority to regulate marketing, content of tobacco products

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 9, 2009 2:54 AM CDT

(Newser) – The Senate is expected this week to pass sweeping new legislation to regulate tobacco, reports USA Today. The bill, which may go to a vote as soon as today, gives the FDA the authority to regulate tobacco and will require larger health warnings on packets, end the use of claims like "light" and "mild" for cigarettes, and further restrict advertising.

The House approved a similar bill in April, and President Obama has said he will sign it when it reaches his desk. The legislation's backers believe that if it is applied properly, it could save millions of lives. "It's historic in that we're finally saying tobacco needs to be regulated," said Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois. "It breaks my heart it took us 20 years."

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A health warning will take up 50% of cigarette packets under the federal tobacco regulation bill. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

The content and marketing of tobacco products will be put under federal control for the first time under a bill making its way through the Senate. (Shutter Stock)

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Ordinarily, I would not be an advocate for more government regulation. But if this is going to be a legal product, sold in America, I think this is a reasonable step.
- Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 7 comments

Mr.C

Jun 9, 2009 7:12 AM CDT

That is a great summation of what makes me realize that the US is not the most "free" country in the world. We have opportunities galore, but every aspect of my life is governed. I can't even go build a shed in my back yard without taking numerous city, state, and federal laws into mind. (from this I believe we become unimaginative creatures of routine)

myvoice

Jun 9, 2009 6:12 AM CDT

Mad... this guy does not just give comments.... he spams them depending on key word in the articles. Censorship is not the word that should be used in this context, its more like "filtering spam." you must be new to Newser because no else complains about people flagging this guy!

Mad

Jun 9, 2009 5:24 AM CDT

My god, Nuts, what's with this damn censorship shit? I dont care for many comments spewed here, yet I have the ability to simply ignore thse I disagree with, I find your campaign to stop acepd rather despicable, please stop

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FDA • Senate • smoking • tobacco • cigarette • Food and Drug Administration • anti-smoking

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Senate Poised to Pass Tough New Tobacco Law