James M. Jeffords: “This clearly sets out that, in their opinion, it would appear that, in its current form, our bill would not interfere or…”

“This clearly sets out that, in their opinion, it would appear that, in its current form, our bill would not interfere or substantially negatively affect any of the FDA tobacco authority. In addition to that, just to be double and triple sure, we, in the bill, say it can't apply to tobacco and that the FDA has full authority in the tobacco area. So that is why we got the 89 to 5 vote today. Yet, I certainly commend the Senator from Massachusetts, and others, who want to make darn sure that we are really doing the job we think we are doing. I appreciate that and I think it is healthy. The harder that Senator Kennedy fights, the more the public will be aware of that, and I hope we have as good a vote this time.”