The House of Representatives today approved the Senate version of a bill to give the FDA broad authority to regulate tobacco products. The 307-97 House vote sends the bill to President Obama for signature. Speaking from the White House, Obama said he will sign it, adding that broad bipartisan passage of the bill "truly defines a change in Washington."

Partnership for Prevention, which worked for passage of the legislation, today sent a letter to members of Congress who voted in favor of its passage thanking them for their vote.

"Partnership for Prevention thanks you for your vote to provide the Food and Drug Administration with the authority to regulate tobacco products and provide ongoing oversight over these deadly products," Partnership President Robert J. Gould said in the letter.  "We commend your leadership with this historic congressional action that will protect our children's health and save thousands of lives across the country. Without your support, we would have been unable to educate smokers on the true dangers of tobacco."