Appropriations panel splits on tobacco items: funds for FDA 'Real Cost' prevention campaign restored but rider blocking FDA manufacturing rule survives

The committee approved an amendment from Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz to restore funding for the Food and Drug Administration’s “Real Cost” youth tobacco-prevention campaign. The sponsor described the campaign as a cost-effective public education effort credited with helping reduce youth vaping and urged its continued funding; the amendment was agreed to by voice vote.

Later in the markup, Wasserman Schultz offered a separate amendment to strike a rider (section 773) that prohibits the FDA from finalizing a rule setting manufacturing requirements for tobacco products. She argued the rule would prevent contamination, ensure accurate nicotine labeling, stop leaking e‑liquid containers and give the FDA traceability to investigate contaminated products. Opponents said the proposed manufacturing rule could disadvantage U.S. manufacturers relative to foreign producers and could impose burdensome rules across diverse tobacco-product categories, including premium cigars.

After debate the committee moved to a roll-call vote; the clerk reported the ayes at 26 and the noes at 34, and the amendment was not adopted. The appropriations bill therefore retains the rider that pauses finalization of the FDA tobacco manufacturing standards rule, while the Real Cost prevention funding was restored.