The Biden administration Delays Decision on Menthol Cigarette Ban
The Biden administration announced on Friday that it would delay a decision on a regulation aimed at banning menthol-flavored cigarettes, citing the significant attention and feedback received on the controversial proposal by the Food and Drug Administration.
"This rule has garnered historic attention and the public comment period has yielded an immense amount of feedback, including from various elements of the civil rights and criminal justice movement," stated Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.
The White House had already missed a previous deadline to decide on the regulation by March. The rule had been stuck in an interagency review process.
A senior administration official mentioned that it was challenging to provide a timeline for the delay due to ongoing disagreements after months of discussions. They expressed the need for more time to hear from external groups, particularly on the civil rights aspect.
The official recognized the high rates of Black Americans dying from the use of menthol cigarettes, which prompted the FDA's initial push for a ban. However, they highlighted civil rights concerns regarding the enforcement of such a rule.
The debate over a menthol cigarette ban has been ongoing for months, with various groups weighing in on the issue. The American Civil Liberties Union has been one of the organizations lobbying against the ban, citing concerns that it would disproportionately affect people of color and prioritize criminalization over public health and harm reduction.
"It's clear that there are still more conversations to have, and that will take significantly more time," stated Becerra.
The White House has engaged in over 100 meetings regarding the proposal, hearing from a range of outside groups both for and against the regulation, including convenience store associations and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives.
Public health advocates have expressed frustration over the repeated delays to the FDA's proposal to ban menthol cigarettes, which was intended to be a crucial part of efforts to reduce smoking rates in the U.S.
There are concerns that further delays could allow opponents to challenge the rule using the Congressional Review Act in the next presidential term.
"The administration's inaction is enabling the tobacco industry to continue aggressively marketing these products and attracting and addicting new users," said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association.
During a House Appropriations Committee hearing, FDA Administrator Robert Califf reaffirmed that the ban remains a top priority for the agency and expressed hope that it would be approved by the end of the year.
Reflections of a Cardiologist
As a seasoned cardiologist with 35 years of experience in North Carolina, I have witnessed the devastating impact of tobacco-related illnesses on countless individuals. Throughout my career, I have unfortunately been confronted with the harsh reality of these diseases, particularly in their advanced stages. It has been a top priority for me and my colleagues to address this pressing issue and work towards better outcomes for our patients.
