The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee has voted 13-8 in favor of a bill that would give the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the power to regulate tobacco products, the Associated Press reported Aug. 1.

The committee-approved measure included an amendment banning the sale of clove cigarettes in the U.S. Philip Morris, the only tobacco company to support the FDA bill, had lobbied for clove-flavored cigarettes to remain legal.

"The bipartisan legislation will save millions of lives and save others from a lifetime of addiction and certain death," said Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), the lead bill sponsor. The measure has the support of more than 50 senators and is expected to easily pass in the Senate.

"This is an enormous step forward," said Matthew Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. "This could end up being the signature public health action this Congress takes."

Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.), whose state includes the headquarters of R.J. Reynolds, tried unsuccessfully to amend the bill, and indicated that he might try to block passage on the Senate floor.