The Democratic takeover in Congress could be good news for advocates of greater government controls over tobacco sales and marketing, the Financial Times reported Nov. 30.

The new Congress is expected to give priority to the issue of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation of tobacco products. The Senate has twice approved a measure allowing FDA regulation, but it died both times in the House of Representatives. The 2006 Democratic takeover of the House could remove that roadblock, however.

"Empowering the FDA to regulate tobacco products is long overdue," said Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) in outlining priorities for the incoming 110th Congress. "Enacting this important public-health legislation should be a top priority for the new Congress."

Added Matthew Barry, director of policy research for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids: "We are more optimistic [about regulation] given that the last real effort was blocked by the House Republican leadership and with that change now, there appears to be a more conducive environment."

Tobacco company Philip Morris USA also supports FDA regulation, although others in the industry oppose increased government regulation of tobacco products.