Senate to vote to give FDA power to regulate, change tobacco products

WASHINGTON — The Senate votes Thursday on legislation that for the first time would give the government control over the production and marketing of tobacco products, a long-sought goal that supporters say could save lives and millions in health care dollars.

Addiction and death: Regulating tobacco products is a personal issue for many senators

WASHINGTON — Sen. Dick Durbin was just 10 or 11 when he and his cousin Mike sneaked out behind a garage in East St. Louis, Ill., to have a smoke, Durbin’s first. He didn’t care much for the taste of the cigarette but, unfortunately, Mike did.