Tobacco.org

Senate Debate On Tobacco Bill Likely To Drag To Next Week 

While a bill tightening regulation of tobacco products appears to have strong support in the Senate, the chances of a quick final vote on the measure are bleak and only getting dimmer.

Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., who opposes the measure, has signaled he will prolong debate on the measure using a number of procedural tactics. The Senate Wednesday is expected to vote in favor of proceeding to the bill -- a vote forced by Burr.

Burr plans to insist upon an official reading of the 218-page bill, according to a Senate staffer. That would extend debate on the bill for hours longer.

The stalling tactics will likely cause Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D- Nev., to file a motion to limit debate on the bill, and Burr appears poised to insist upon 60 hours of debate allowed under the motion. Aides say that would push debate on the bill until Tuesday or later.

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