North Carolina's two senators have proposed a new agency regulate tobacco.
As an alternative to the possible regulation of tobacco products by the Food and Drug Administration. Republican Sen. Richard Burr and Democratic Sen. Kay Hagan filed a bill today that would create a Federal Tobacco Regulatory Agency.
The bill is an attempt to stave off legislation backed by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and President Obama that would give the FDA regulatory control over harmful chemicals and additives in cigarettes.
Both Burr and Hagan say that the FDA, which oversees such things as cosmetics, prescription drugs and vitamins, is overworked.
"The FDA is overburdened already, and lacks the capacity or the expertise to take on a large, complicated new industry," Hagan said in a statement. "I will not stand idly by while the FDA is put in charge of such a critical industry to North Carolina."
Winston-Salem-based tobacco company R.J. Reynolds opposes FDA regulation bill, although Virginia-based Philip Morris USA supports it.
Burr, who lives in Winston-Salem, has threatened to filibuster the bill, according to the Washington Post.
Previously: Hagan opposes FDA tobacco regulation during Senate campaign.
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Re: Sens. oppose FDA tobacco oversight
How about the money that would go towards this new government agency... instead go towards more funding at the FDA.... according to the article back in August, this bill does that.
If you think the industry needs oversight, say so and spend the money. I doubt people care what banner flies over the regulating agency.
If you don't support it, man up and say so. When people say they hate politicians who try to have things both ways and glad-hand both sides, it's stuff like this they mean. Don't try the smokescreen of creating a new agency to avoid regulation and scrutiny.
And if they do oppose it, i'd love to hear them explain why they oppose tobacco regulation and oversight :)