Philip Morris Lobbies for Federal Regulation

Philip Morris Inc. said it has talked to dozens of lawmakers in a lobbying campaign to persuade Congress to give the government new authority to regulate tobacco. Health advocates say they’re wary of the about-face by the nation’s largest cigarette manufacturer. “I just would say our approach as we have talked to members of Congress is that we understand there is some skepticism, but we are committed to trying to do this,” said Steve Parrish, senior vice president of the tobacco giant. The company last year said it would support regulation by the Food and Drug Administration. Soon after, the Supreme Court ruled the FDA needs the permission of Congress to do that, which prompted the lobbying effort. Tommy G. Thompson, Health and Human Services secretary, supports regulation, but the Bush administration has not proposed legislation. Health advocates also want regulation but are skeptical of Philip Morris. Paul Billings, a lobbyist for the American Lung Assn., called the company’s actions clever and troubling. When asked, most other tobacco companies say they support sensible FDA regulation, but Capitol Hill staffers say the other manufacturers are lobbying against it. Philip Morris closed off $1.83 at $45.74 on the NYSE.