Several members of the two all-Democratic caucuses characterized the defeated bill as one that would have aided the rich at the expense of middle- and lower-income voters.

A bill that would outlaw flavored cigarettes — except for a type many black smokers choose — has opened a rift.

A rift has opened in the 43-member caucus over a menthol provision in legislation that would enable the Food and Drug Administration to regulate tobacco.

The Congressional Black Caucus is demanding that a tobacco-regulation bill place restrictions on menthol cigarettes, the type heavily favored by African-American smokers.

The Congressional Black Caucus is calling for changes to a tobacco-regulation bill, demanding that the legislation place restrictions on menthol cigarettes, the type heavily favored by African-American smokers.

The Congressional Black Caucus is calling for changes to a tobacco-regulation bill, demanding that the legislation place restrictions on menthol cigarettes, the type heavily favored by African-American smokers.