Reynolds Paid Lobbyist $60K in 2007
Reynolds American Paid Welch Resources $60,000 in of 2007 to Lobby Government
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Cigarette
maker Reynolds American Inc. paid Welch Resources $60,000 in 2007 to monitor federal legislation affecting the tobacco industry, according to a disclosure form.
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One proposed bill -- which the Senate Health Committee will debate July 25 -- would give government authority over tobacco products for the first time.
Under the bill, the Food and Drug Administration would have the ability to crack down on ads targeted at children, add stronger warning labels on products and reduce dangerous ingredients used in cigarettes.
In such a regulatory environment, Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Reynolds American, the second largest U.S. tobacco company, and some other companies could lose market share to rival Philip Morris, the country's largest cigarette maker, which has more resources to developed new safer products.
Under a federal law enacted in 1995, lobbyists are required to disclose activities that could influence members of the executive and legislative branches. They must register with Congress within 45 days of being hired or engaging in lobbying.
The form was posted online Friday by the Senate's public records office.
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