House backs rules on tobacco

The House on Wednesday overwhelmingly passed legislation that for the first time would subject the tobacco industry to regulation by federal health authorities charged with promoting public well-being.

Its backers call the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act “landmark” legislation. Though it appears to have enough support to pass this year, it’s unclear whether the Senate will have time to act, and the Bush administration is strongly opposed.

The 326-102 House vote signaled solid bipartisan support for the measure, which would further tighten restrictions on tobacco advertising and impose new federal penalties for selling to minors. But its most far-reaching provisions would give the Food and Drug Administration the power to regulate tobacco, from cigarettes to new kinds of smokeless products.

Though the agency could not outlaw tobacco or nicotine, it could demand the reduction or elimination of cancer-causing chemicals in cigarette smoke. The bill would prohibit candy-flavored cigars and cigarettes and would give the FDA authority to ban menthol.