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A bill that would give the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to regulate tobacco is part of a legislative package that Democrats would like to see passed during their first weeks in charge of the new Congress, the Boston Globe reported Jan. 3.

The legislation, which addresses tobacco marketing and composition, is being spearheaded by Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), who said, "We cannot in good conscience allow the Food and Drug Administration -- the federal agency most responsible for protecting the public health -- to remain powerless to deal with the enormous risks of tobacco."

"We are confident that the legislation will be considered and passed in this Congress," said Bill Corr, executive director of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. "The new Democratic leaders are all supporters. And the old Republican leaders were all opponents."

Tobacco maker Philip Morris supports FDA regulation, but other leading tobacco firms and growers have come out against the measure.