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• Senate Judiciary Committee Approves Internet Tobacco Bill 

The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approved legislation yesterday that will help combat online cigarette sales and prevent youth access to tobacco products.

The Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking (PACT) Act closes gaps in current federal laws regulating “remote” or “delivery” sales of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products. The bill enhances penalties for violations and provides law enforcement with new tools to combat the innovative methods being used by cigarette traffickers to distribute their products.

“Tobacco smuggling has developed into a popular, and highly profitable, means of generating revenue for criminal and terrorist organizations,” said Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI), noting that cigarette trafficking, including the illegal sale of tobacco products over the Internet, costs states billions of dollars in lost tax revenue each year.

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