GOP delays House bill on teen smoking

WASHINGTON House Republicans have sidetracked legislation tocurtail teen smoking at least until September, congressionalofficials say, amid internal debate over whether to abandon themeasure entirely.

As recently as two weeks ago, Speaker Newt Gingrich said ananti-smoking bill would be passed by the time lawmakers recess Aug. 5for a monthlong break. Key lawmakers were close to agreement onproposed legislation.

But officials said that by last week, an increasing number ofRepublicans had become convinced that the issue had effectively diedin the Senate earlier this year and was rapidly diminishing as anelection-year concern among voters.

At the same …