Waxman emphasizes children in tobacco oversight

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman says his legislation to give FDA regulatory authority over tobacco would help meet the "biggest challenge" to reducing smoking - preventing children from starting to use tobacco. In a Minnesota Public Radio interview April 8, the California Democrat said he authored the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, H.R. 1256, which passed the House April 2, in part to "stop cigarette companies from using flavors that would appeal to kids whether they be chocolate flavors or grape flavors or something sweet." Such formulations make the products appear "childlike" and "without any threat to health," he added (1"The Tan Sheet" April 6, 2009, p. 6). The Congressional Budget Office says in an April 13 cost estimate that implementing the bill will cost $10 million between 2010 and 2014, but the requirements will save $20 million between 2010 and 2019. Waxman said he expects the Senate has enough votes to stop a proposed filibuster and will pass the bill after Congress returns from the spring recess April 20 (2"The Tan Sheet" March 23, 2009, p. 12)

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman says his legislation to give FDA regulatory authority over tobacco would help meet the "biggest challenge" to reducing smoking - preventing children from starting to use tobacco. In a Minnesota Public Radio interview April 8, the California Democrat said he authored the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, H.R. 1256, which passed the House April 2, in part to "stop cigarette companies from using flavors that would appeal to kids whether they be chocolate flavors or grape flavors or something sweet." Such formulations make the products appear "childlike" and "without any threat to health," he added (¹ (Also see "Cigarette Tax Hike Sparks NRT Marketing Opportunities" - Pink Sheet, 6 Apr, 2009.), p. 6). The Congressional Budget Office says in an April 13 cost estimate that implementing the bill will cost $10 million between 2010 and 2014, but the requirements will save $20 million between 2010 and 2019. Waxman said he expects the Senate has enough votes to stop a proposed filibuster and will pass the bill after Congress returns from the spring recess April 20 (² 'The Tan Sheet' March 23, 2009, p. 12).