WASHINGTON -- Last night's Senate markup of legislation to reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) was postponed until today, July 18. This came about from a procedural objection to holding an extended meeting as senators were planning to work all night to debate the administration's policy on Iraq.

This all night session also moved back the expected markup of legislation that calls for the regulation of tobacco products by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, including retail establishments. NACS is strongly opposed to this legislation in its current form.

Other Developments on SCHIP and Excise Taxes
The house is moving closer to considering its version of the SCHIP reauthorization. It will also have some version of a per pack federal tax on cigarettes and other tobacco products. The House Ways and Means Committee is hoping to work on its SCHIP proposal before the August recess.

Yesterday, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt stated in a letter to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) that he would recommend that the president veto the Senate version of SCHIP legislation.