Earlier today, the question of how FDA regulates premium cigars was once again raised before members of Congress and the Administration during a House Budget Committee Hearing.  Before the committee was Mick Mulvaney, Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which oversees the federal budget as well as proposed regulatory actions by government agencies

Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) directed a question on the FDA’s current review of how it treats and regulates premium cigars, and specifically raised his concerns that FDA be held accountable and their enactment of regulations be supported by appropriate cost-benefit analysis.  Director Mulvaney recognized that the current administration has set a new standard for application of cost-benefit analysis in terms of regulations and that OMB will ensure that the FDA meets that standard.  He also expressed that he looks forward to working with the Congressman and all stakeholders on this issue. 

IPCPR applauds Congressman Diaz-Balart for continuing to raise concerns over regulation of premium cigars.  We are also encouraged by the Director's ongoing commitment to regulatory fairness and remain committed to engaging Congress and the Administration on this critical issue.