Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, January 11, 1995 TAG: 9501170032
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
WASHINGTON - The tobacco industry aimed a preemptive strike at the new Congress on Tuesday by displaying 1.1 million petitions opposing Food and Drug Administration regulation of tobacco products.
The industry also released a poll indicating that Americans rank cigarette regulation seventh in a list of eight priorities for Congress - between passing a school prayer law and settling the baseball strike.
Reforming Congress, overhauling welfare and reducing taxes were 1-2-3.
The FDA has been considering whether to regulate nicotine as an addictive drug.
According to the survey, 30 percent of Americans believe regulation of cigarettes should stay where it is and 28 percent think it should be reduced. Thirty-five percent want expanded regulation by the FDA.
- Associated Press
GOP 'soft money' almost $44 million
WASHINGTON - Republicans amassed $16.2 million in unregulated ``soft money'' just before and after Election Day, including a record-setting $2.5 million contribution from home-products marketer Amway.
The GOP's soft money receipts for the two-year election cycle were $43.9 million, according to figures compiled by Common Cause, the self-styled citizens lobby.
Chuck Greener, a spokesman for the Republican National Committee, said Common Cause omitted the fact that ``Republicans raised more money from individuals in an election cycle than ever before in 1994. In fact, three-quarters of the money raised was from individuals who contributed less than $100'' apiece.
Federal election law bars corporations and labor unions from giving money to influence federal elections directly, and limits gifts from individuals and political action committees. "Soft money," is exempt from the limits and is supposed to be used only for purposes like get-out-the-vote drives and party-building activities.
- Associated Press
Treasury nominee heads for approval
WASHINGTON - President Clinton's nomination of Robert Rubin as treasury secretary won quick committee approval Tuesday with Rubin promising senators the administration will look for ways to cooperate with Congress.
The Senate Finance Committee endorsed Rubin's nomination unanimously on a voice vote even before they had questioned him.
- Associated Press
by CNB