Today the Senate is likely to pass a bill allowing the FDA to regulate tobacco. A similar measure passed the House in April. The bill bans all kinds of flavored cigarettes except menthol, which are disproportionately smoked by African Americans. Representative Donna Christensen, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus’ Health Braintrust, and Bill Robinson, Executive Director of the National African American Tobacco Prevention Network, join John and Farai with a look at how the bill may affect the health of African-Americans.

Illinois Congressman Bobby Rush didn't pull any punches yesterday when he challenged Senators who were making noises about blocking the appointment of Roland Burris, an African-American, to the U.S. Senate. Embattled Governor Rod Blagojevich's announcement raised a lot of eyebrows, but Rush's statements raised even more. The Takeaway talks to Congresswoman Donna Christensen of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Second Vice-Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus in the 111th Congress.