The Biden administration announced on Friday a delay in deciding whether to ban menthol cigarettes.
The New York Times reported that the delay is effectively sidelining a contentious proposal amid a tug-of-war within the black American electorate and intense lobbying efforts from the tobacco industry in this election year.
The White House encountered a barrage of warnings against potential repercussions, facing formidable resistance from cigarette manufacturers poised to lose billions in sales revenue if a ban were implemented.
Critics aired concerns over anticipated surges in smuggling of counterfeit cigarettes along the border and heightened police targeting of black residents in the event of a ban, per the outlet.
Such challenges posed risks for President Biden, whose support among black voters has fluctuated in recent months, The Liberal Washington Post reports.
Top health officials have asserted that a ban could save lives and curb lung cancer rates—notably higher among black smokers, who have historically favored menthol cigarettes.
Xavier Becerra, Secretary of Health and Human Services, acknowledged the significance of ongoing discussions, stating, “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.”
“It’s clear that there are still more conversations to have, and that will take significantly more time,” Becerra said in a statement.
The delay sparked debate among federal officials regarding the ramifications of a ban on both a political and health front. While the White House declined to comment, Dr. Robert Califf, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), expressed hope for a decision by year-end, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the tobacco-related mortality crisis.
Califf highlighted the potential to avert hundreds of thousands of deaths, particularly among black Americans, who he claims are disproportionately targeted by the tobacco industry.
The FDA had previously positioned the ban as a crucial component of President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot initiative, citing smoking as a leading cause of cancer deaths.
Friday’s announcement drew sharp criticism from Derrick Johnson, President of the NAACP, who accused the administration of prioritizing politics over lives.
The ban, initially proposed by the FDA in May 2022, encountered a flurry of lobbying efforts from both proponents and opponents upon reaching the White House in October.
Tobacco companies, convenience stores, and retailers voiced concerns over projected revenue losses and advocated for alternative strategies to encourage smoking cessation.
Reynolds American, maker of Newport menthol cigarettes, and Altria, producer of menthol Marlboro cigarettes, were among the industry players marshaling resources to oppose the ban, citing support for Republican lawmakers and advocating for alternatives like regulated flavored vaping products.
The two major players in the tobacco industry cited potential adverse effects such as increased use of counterfeit cigarettes. They argue that historically low and declining youth smoking rates do not justify pursuing a ban.
Congressional Republicans have vehemently criticized the proposed ban, expressing concerns in letters to the Biden administration about potential ramifications, including an uptick in trafficking of counterfeit cigarettes.
Republicans notably attempted unsuccessfully to halt government funding for any initiatives related to the ban last year.
Opponents of the ban have launched high-profile advertising campaigns during prime time, lambasting the proposal and asserting that it would exacerbate illicit tobacco trafficking while benefiting criminal syndicates.
They have aligned with some black leaders who fear that a ban could lead to heightened law enforcement targeting of black smokers, although the FDA has clarified that enforcement would primarily target manufacturers.
The Times reported that the Biden campaign has prioritized bolstering support among black voters, implementing various get-out-the-vote strategies and initiatives, particularly in key battleground states, following a trial run in South Carolina ahead of the Democratic primary.
The post Biden Delays Menthol Cigarette Ban To Curb Dwindling Support From Black Voters appeared first on Resist the Mainstream.
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Author: Jordyn M.
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