Posted on 10/05/2004 5:38:19 PM PDT by SheLion
WASHINGTON, Oct 5 (Reuters) - In a major setback for public health groups, congressional tax negotiators on Tuesday blocked a plan to allow the Food and Drug Administration to regulate tobacco, but a $10 billion package for tobacco farmers was set to be approved.
Senators supported inclusion of the FDA measure in a massive corporate tax bill but House Republicans blocked them.
Negotiators were not able to wrap up work on Tuesday and some anti-tobacco lawmakers said they would attempt to strike or modify tobacco provisions again on Wednesday. But statements by several negotiators suggested the odds were against them.
The tobacco industry has been divided on FDA legislation, with Altria Group Inc. (MO.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , the parent company of Marlboro-maker Philip Morris, supporting it and other key tobacco companies including Reynolds American Inc.'s (RAI.N: Quote, Profile, Research) R.J. Reynolds Tobacco unit opposing it.
The House-Senate compromise package must still be approved by the full House and Senate and a few anti-smoking senators have vowed to try to stop the tax bill in the Senate unless it has the FDA language in it.
If the bill "contains a tobacco buyout for farmers but does not include the FDA provisions, it will seriously jeopardize passage," Massachusetts Democrat Sen. Edward Kennedy said. "We cannot in good conscience allow the federal agency most responsible for protecting the public health to remain powerless to deal with the enormous health risks of cigarettes."
TRADE DISPUTE PROVISIONS
However the lengthy bill contains many other provisions, including measures to end a trade dispute with the European Union, so even some backers of the FDA provisions said they will vote for the overall bill, even though they were disappointed about the anti-smoking policy.
"I wasn't going to let unrelated matters get in the way," said Iowa Republican Charles Grassley, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. Although he supported the FDA provisions, he said the main purpose of the tax bill was to create jobs.
Grassley also cited a North Carolina newspaper report last week which said Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry had expressed support for a tobacco buyout with or without the FDA, a position which Grassley said undercut the bargaining power of the FDA backers.
Public health groups had hoped to create a "marriage of convenience" by twinning the FDA provisions and the buyout that will end a Depression-era price support system, and that approach had overwhelming support in the Senate. But some House Republicans, including Majority Leader Tom DeLay of Texas wanted only the buyout.
The House and Senate had different approaches to the buyout as well, but the version included in the bill Tuesday would have the industry finance the $10 billion package. Critics say it is really only $7 billion of new money for farmers, as the companies were already obligated to make some payments under the 1998 legal settlement with states.
Anti-smoking advocates fear they will be even worse off as they seek opportunities to push for FDA regulation, because they no longer have the possibility of linking it to a buyout.
California Democrat Rep. Henry Waxman said by freeing farmers from the old quota system, the buyout would let them cultivate even more tobacco, making it cheaper and more accessible to young people.
Texas Republican Joe Barton, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, argued for the farm buyout but against the FDA proposal in part because the U.S. "Founding Fathers" grew tobacco in the 18th century. He also said the FDA has "enough problems" without taking on tobacco regulation.
If they want to see an Angry American just let them tell me that I cannot buy Camel's anymore!
You got THAT right! Talk about a Civil WAR! heh!
What a load of Barbra Streisand.........Teddy just wants to follow in his father's footsteps. Old Joe made his forturne as a bootlegger during prohibition....Because of all the legal problems of the kennedy klan the coffers are drying up and Ole Teddy boy see tobacco bootlegging as theway to refill them - but first he has to do what he can to create the blackmarket where he can profit.
I started growing several tobacco plants per year in my yard. I almost have the curing part right.
Did you know that you can buy whole cured tobacco leaf with no federal tax? They tax rolling papers, rolling machines, and filters, but nowhere near as much as whole cigarettes are taxed.
So don't complain about federal restrictions, ignore them and make your own. You'll save hundreds and hundreds per year.
Good point aabout Fat Ted and the bootlegging. Can you imagine a drunk like him trying to regulate cigarettes?
Good point aabout Fat Ted and the bootlegging. Can you imagine a drunk like him trying to regulate cigarettes?
I have been rolling my own now for over 4 years. Instead of paying $45-$50 a carton for Premiums that I used to smoke, I have been rolling a beautiful carton for a little under $8 dollars. Can't beat it with a stick!!! :)
In the spring when the bugs are bad I even add a dash of citronella. Improves the flavor and keeps the skeeters away.
Of course I can.............he doesn't care about anyone but himself. And that is documented fact.
YYYEEEE HAW!!!! Thanks for all the help guys!!!!
Sounds like you have it going on. Good for you!
I WILL TAX, CONTROL AND RESTRICT ANYONE WHO SMOKES!!!! ALCOHOL RULES!!!!!!!!!
That's a good one!!!!!!!!
Hehe!
He's a fat hateful pig. Can't stand him. Wish he would retire or get the hell out of there. Him AND WAXAZZ! (Waxman)
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