Fitch: FDA Oversight Of Tobacco Helps Bigger Cos.

Such a bill has been in the works for at least a decade and went through several iterations.

The nation's biggest cigarette maker, Virginia-based Philip Morris USA, first said it was open to regulation in 2000.

Its smaller competitors oppose the bill, arguing that its increased regulation would restrict the introduction of new products and solidify Philip Morris USA's No. 1 position. Philip Morris USA is owned by Altria Group Inc.

No. 2 R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and No. 3 Lorillard Tobacco Company, both based in North Carolina, are against it. RJR is owned by Reynolds American Inc.