AWMA applauds the inclusion of language in the recently passed Omnibus spending bill that would effectively prohibit government-funded lobbying against legally sold products such as tobacco and certain food and beverages.  Section 503 of the Omnibus bill holds federal agencies accountable for the money they spend to lobby state governments promoting tax increases and sales restrictions on legally sold consumer products such as tobacco and snack foods.  The language included in the Omnibus bill states that these “prohibitions shall include any activity to advocate or promote any proposed, pending or future federal, state or local tax increase, or any proposed, pending, or future requirement or restriction on any legal consumer product, including its sale or marketing.”  The Omnibus spending bill passed both the House and Senate and is now awaiting signature by the President.