Senate Debate On Tobacco Regulations Begins

06.03.09 | FL News Team

The debate over new tobacco regulations is on in the U.S. Senate. A proposal from Democrats would give the Food and Drug Administration power to regulate the packaging, marketing and manufacturing of cigarettes and tobacco products. Debate on the measure could extend into next week, but Democrats say they have the votes to pass the legislation by a slender margin.

The U.S. House has already okayed a version of the bill. If the Senate passes its version, differences in the two measures would be reconciled by congressional negotiators. President Obama supports the proposal, along with FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg and the American Cancer Society. Tobacco companies are split on the issue.