As if we didn’t need anymore government intervention, the US Senate today passed an anti-smoking bill (by 79-17) seen by many as the most aggressive anti-smoking bill in 45 years. If passed in the House (and a similar bill, though not identical, recently passed the House) it would give the government power to limit the amount of nicotine in cigarettes as well as to rein in ads and ban candied tobacco products aimed at young people. President Obama has said he will sign it into law if put on his desk.
For those keeping track, it would be one more area the Obama administration has taken more control over. So far Obama has managed more government control for:
Banking
Housing
Auto Industry
Tobacco (if the bill passes the House)
And on the horizon is Health Care. Today Obama placed an August deadline on Congress to get something passed and on his desk to sign.
*****UPDATE*****
The law was passed and signed by President Obama just days ago.