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(TheWeekInCongress.com) July 30, 2008 - The US House of Representatives passed HR 1108, a bill expanding the authority of the Food and Drug Administration to regulate the tobacco product industry.

The bill extends the FDA's authority to govern labeling, additives to tobacco products, other compounds such as pesticides to include prohibitions on the use of tobacco from foreign countries if the pesticide level is beyond US tolerance standards or is unregulated by the US.

Provisions in the bill governing labeling and advertising aim to curtail the interests of youth and prohibit misrepresentation of facts. Also, for the purpose of dissuading youth from smoking, the bill would prohibit flavorings and other additives that might seem appealing to younger generations.

The bill also allows the FDA to reach into the manufacturing process to the extent of testing raw tobacco for pesticide levels.

Opposition recognized the negative health impacts of tobacco use and centered on the belief that the bill eliminates the possibility of incentives to develop and market products that reduce exposure to tobacco toxicants and the assertion that an applicant "must demonstrate that the marketing and labeling of the product will not mislead consumers into believing that the product is or has been demonstrated to be less harmful...and "it has to be demonstrated that the product reduces risk for both the individual and for the population as a whole. It is unlikely that such a standard could ever be proven."

Opposition also held that the bill will reduce competition because the only companies that can afford to participate will be the large companies and the ultimate outcome will be higher prices for the majority of smokers who have lower incomes. Finally, opposition held that the restrictions on advertising to adults ultimately will be found a violation of First Amendment Rights.

The bill passed the House by a vote of 326 to 102.

HR 1108 - Bill report and votes.

GAO WOULD GET EXPANDED AUTHORITY TO PURSUE WITHHELD FEDERAL RECORDS

Citing a District Court decision that the GAO had no power to require documents from the Vice President, the bill authorizes the GAO to pursue civil action if federal agencies improperly withhold federal records.

HR 6388

VETERANS-MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS CLEARS HOUSE

This yearly spending bill is non-controversial and provides $118.7 billion to "to support our military and their families and provide the benefits and medical care that our veterans have earned for their service," the bill explains. $3.4 billion more than the President's request is provided and $93.7 billion is only for the VA.

As has been the case over the past two years, this bill increases funds for traumatic brain injury and advanced prosthetics. Veterans living in remote areas would see an increase in funds to pay local health care providers when VA care is too far away. Other veteran travel benefits are increased by 6.5 cents, to pay 41.5 cents per mile.

A 20% increase to $24 billion for military construction will go largely to meet near and future 'Grow the Force' housing, base and facility needs that include over 7000 more Marines and four new Army brigades.

HR 6599 - Bill report indexed for review, amendments, and votes.

Majority summary of bill highlights

Other Veterans Bills passed this week: HR 1527 for rural veterans care; HR 674 extending the minority veteran advisory board; HR 6580 continuing benefits for discharged veterans; HR 6445 relief of co-payments for some veterans.

EQUAL PAY

The House passed HR 1138, a bill that includes a prohibition on retaliation against a person claiming wage discrimination under the Act, an increase in penalties for violations, and the option to seek compensatory and punitive damages through the Secretary of labor.

HR 1138 Report with amendments and votes.

IMMIGRATION PILOT PROGRAM EXTENDED

A pilot program through which employers can verify an applicant's Social Security number and so immigration status is extended for five years. The impact on small businesses is to be reported.

CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY BILL COMPLETED AND SENT TO THE PRESIDENT

The bill was brought forth soon after it was discovered that many toys from China had high levels of lead paint that endangers children's health. The Senate replaced the text of the underlying bill, HR 4040, with the text of S 2663. The House agreed to the substitution and a House Senate conference produced the final bill. The differences between the two bills can be reviewed here.

HR 4040 (S2663) Report with amendments.

Majority Summary of Conference Report Highlights.

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Bills Would Protect from Private Submarine Attack; Find Uses for 'Produced' Water; Continue Health Insurance for Sick Students; Ease Backlog of Veteran Claims; and Create Olympic Program for Disabled Vets;

Sub Attack

Submersibles without nationality, feared as a terrorism force, would come under Federal jurisdiction.

HR 6295

Produced Water

Large quantities of tainted water is produced during oil, gas and mineral exploration. The bill looks for ways to put it to use.

HR 2339

Student Insurance

Insurance programs that end when the student takes a leave also end if the leave is due to an illness. The bill would continue coverage.

HR 2851

Vet Claims

Backlog has risen wait time to 183 days. A report will attempt to explain.

HR 5829

Disabled Vet Olympics

The purpose of the bill as reported is "to promote lifelong health of disable veterans and Armed Forces Members through regular participation in physical activity and sports and to develop a system that promotes those goals."

HR 4255

The House is adjourned until September 8th 2008.

The Senate will meet for pro forma sessions: Friday August 8th, Friday August 15th, Tuesday August 19th, Friday, August 22nd, Tuesday August 26, Friday, August 29th, Tuesday September 2, and Friday September 5th. The Senate will return September 8th.