FDA Sends Nicotine Limits Rules to OMB
There are just 40 days until the Trump administration takes over, meaning this is more a PR stunt than an actual attempt at getting the rule to become law. It’s unclear whether would apply to only cigarettes though it likely applies to other tobacco products except “premium cigars,” at least for now. Yes, it’s both complicated and also likely irrelevant.
Trump Announces FDA, OMB Picks
Trump has chosen Dr. Martin Makary, a surgeon, as his nominee to be the next commissioner of the FDA. Russell Vought has been selected to once again lead the Office of Management and Budget.
Trump Plans to Nominate RFK Jr. as HHS Secretary
Despite being the nephew of noted cigar lover President John F. Kennedy, the cigar world probably doesn’t want Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “going wild” on tobacco regulation. His nomination is subject to Senate confirmation.
Swisher Paid Trump’s White House Chief of Staff to Lobby Congress on FDA Issues
Susie Wiles, co-chair of Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, has been selected as his chief of staff. Earlier this year, Swisher paid a lobbying firm $30,000 to have Wiles lobby Congress on “FDA regulations.”
Court Filings Indicate Premium Cigar Companies Have Paid More than $100 Million in User Fees
If you were curious about the costs of FDA regulation on premium cigars, we now have an idea of one piece of the regulations. The government remains opposed to any refunds of user fees.
D.C. Appeals Court Casts Doubt Over FDA’s “Premium Cigar” Appeal
The eight-year-old lawsuit between three cigar trade groups and the FDA had its latest court room battle. In the hour-long hearing, the questions seemed to favor the cigar position that the FDA regulations should not apply to “premium cigars.”
Hearing for FDA Premium Cigar Lawsuit Appeal Scheduled for Sept. 13 (Update)
Today, July 15, is the eight year anniversary of the filing of the lawsuit. Its next chapter will take place in a D.C. court room in September. Update: We now know the judges assigned to the case.
FDA Finally Issues Tobacco 21 Rule
It’s been almost five years since Donald J. Trump signed into law a bill that increased the minimum age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21. Tomorrow—about 1,500 days later than originally planned—the last of the paperwork will be filed to make this rule official.
Supreme Court Overturns Chevron Deference, a Likely Hit to FDA’s Tobacco Regulatory Authority
Today’s landmark ruling will almost certainly limit the FDA’s ability to regulate tobacco products, including cigars. Chevron has been repeatedly mentioned in the premium cigar industry’s nearly eight-year-old lawsuit against FDA regulation.
FDA, HHS Ask Court to Dismiss Menthol Cigarette Ban Lawsuit
While this case does not explicitly affect cigars, if FDA and HHS lose this case, it would accelerate a decision about whether to ban flavored cigars. Currently, that decision is on an indefinite hold.
House Subcommittee Goes After FDA’s Plans for Flavored Cigar/Menthol Bans, Nicotine Limits
A House of Representative Subcommittee voted, on party lines, to prevent the FDA from enacting the flavored cigar and menthol cigarette bans, as well as restrictions on nicotine limits, until after the agency adjust its policies regarding vaping products.
