A senior staffer with Senator Burr’s office contacted AWMA recently to discuss inclusion of language drafted by AWMA to make a correction in the Waxman and Kennedy FDA & tobacco legislation.  Among the many provisions contained in these two bills opposed by AWMA is one that would hold distributors liable if the warning labels on cigarette packages was incorrect.  While both Waxman and Kennedy have declined to consider AWMA’s request for a “correction” to their measures, Senator Burr – author of an alternative measure supported by AWMA – has indicated his willingness to consider including our correction language as a potential amendment to be offered to the Kennedy bill on the floor of the Senate.  

Specifically, AWMA has drafted language that would essentially remove distributors from liability for incorrect warning labels on cigarette packages recognizing that distributors – like retailers – are not responsible for packaging of such products.  AWMA’s contention is that this language does not change the intent of this measure in any way but only makes a much-needed correction to the bill.

The Kennedy FDA & tobacco legislation – S 982 – is expected to be one of the first items up for consideration by the full Senate when they return from the Memorial Day recess next week.  AWMA – in tandem with NATO - is sending a letter to all the U.S. Senators urging a “no” vote on the Kennedy FDA bill and encouraging them to vote in favor of the Burr/Hagan alternative.

AWMA urges members to visit our website to send a pre-written letter to their legislators encouraging them to vote in favor of alternative legislation – Senator Burr in the Senate and Rep. Buyer in the House – that promotes more reasonable, fair regulation of tobacco.  AWMA will keep members apprised as this issue develops.