Reynolds American Spent Over $1.3M Lobbying in 2Q

Source from:  The Associated Press 09/09/2009

Cigarette maker Reynolds American Inc. spent more than $1.3 million in the second quarter to lobby against a bill that gives the Food and Drug Administration the authority to regulate the industry and other issues, according to a recent disclosure form. Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Reynolds also lobbied the federal government on legislation involving cigarette trafficking, according to the report filed July 20 with the House clerk's office. Reynolds is the nation's second-biggest cigarette maker behind Philip Morris USA. Altria Group Inc. owns Philip Morris USA, maker of the Marlboro brand. Altria had long supported the FDA bill, but other tobacco makers have argued against it, fearing that any greater restriction on their marketing would further solidify Altria's No. 1 position and handicap them to compete against it. In June, President Barack Obama signed the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act giving the FDA unprecedented authority over the tobacco industry. Enditem