WASHINGTON, D.C. – Now that the Senate has banned the sale of cigarettes from vendors in Senate buildings, a few House Members are hoping their chamber will snuff out smokes, too. Democratic Reps. Lois Capps (Calif.), Diana DeGette (Colo.), and Louise Slaughter (N.Y.) last Wednesday wrote to House Administration Chairman Robert Brady (D-Pa.) seeking to halt on-campus sales of nicotine sticks. “We believe that selling tobacco products in the House is inconsistent with Congress’ commitment to protect the public health,” the trio wrote.

And, they noted, plenty of teenagers come waltzing through the marble halls and might be tempted. Smokes sold in the Capitol complex are free from state sales tax, making them cheaper than most sold in regular stores.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is a big anti-smoking proponent, banning Members from lighting up in the once smoke-filled Speaker’s Lobby. But pro-tobacco forces still hold plenty of sway in the House. Looks like there could be a smokin’ fight on hand.

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