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Republican Leaders
Newt Gingrich and Trent Lott have offered no specific plan but have been critical of the McCain Bill as a big-government approach. It is certainly in everyone's interest to get some form of resolution through Congress this year.
They argue that a large price hike for cigarettes will lead to a black market. The Republican leaders say any money from higher taxes on cigarettes should be offset by tax cuts, most likely in health care costs. While appearing to be against giving the industry any immunity from class action lawsuits, the Republican leaders have been very protective of Big Tobacco in the past. |
