STEVE INSKEEP, host: NPR's business news starts with tough new rules facing the tobacco industry.</s>STEVE INSKEEP, host: A bill aimed at cracking down on tobacco use among adults and children is close to the president's desk. The Senate passed a bill yesterday that would give the Food and Drug Administration broad power to regulate the industry. The House could vote as soon as today. This bill would ban tobacco companies from selling candy or fruit flavored cigarettes. It would ban companies from using the words light and low tar to describe their cigarettes implying that they're healthier than others. It will also require tougher warning labels.</s>STEVE INSKEEP, host: Now, as you can imagine, tobacco companies are not thrilled. But one cigarette maker supported this legislation, the makers of Marlboro. The company says the new rules could bring stability and predictability to the industry.
A bill aimed at cracking down on tobacco use among adults and children is a step away from the president's desk. The Senate passed a bill Thursday that would give the Food and Drug Administration broad powers to regulate the industry. The House could vote as early as Friday.