Anti-smoking groups are pressuring Democrats to support the Obama administration's controversial Pacific Rim trade deal.
The deal prohibits tobacco companies from using the dispute settlement system under the terms of the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
That means the companies would be unable to file lawsuits when foreign governments restrict labels placed on cigarette packaging,
The Hill reports.
Republicans disagree with the prohibition and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is demanding it not be included.
As well, GOP lawmakers who represent tobacco-growing states — and many Democrats being pressed by labor unions — are vowing to oppose the deal.
But groups including the American Cancer Society and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids are pressing those Democrats to support it.
"Most Democrats are still making up their minds as they weigh the actual impact on their constituents," Matthew Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, said in an interview.
"There will be more support for the Pacific deal than people expect," Matthew Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, told The Hill.
The economic and public policy deal between 12 Pacific Rim would help lower tariffs on trade deals.
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