Thursday, April 02 2009
By Chris McCalla, Legislative Director,
The Senate could take up its version of the bill after the two-week spring recess that begins this weekend, and supporters have expressed confidence they can overcome expected resistance from tobacco-state senators. The bill also is supported by President Obama; Democrats supported the bill by a 228-8 margin, while 70 Republicans voted for it, with 104 opposed.
An alternative offered by Rep. Steve Buyer, R-Indiana, was defeated 284-142.