21.   In both public statements and court filings, the tobacco companies have denied both that cigarettes are addictive and that they have manipulated nicotine levels.

22.   In the months since the news show aired, other ways of finessing nicotine absorption levels have emerged in industry documents.

23.   In particular, the company challenged an ABC claim that cigarette makers manipulated nicotine levels by adding the substance to the product.

24.   In public statements, executives of Philip Morris and other tobacco companies have denied that they manipulate nicotine levels.

25.   Industry officials have denied in testimony before Congress that they set nicotine levels in cigarettes, saying they let the natural level in tobacco dictate the amount.

26.   John Coale, one of the lead private attorneys in the settlement talks, said the ruling allows the FDA to regulate nicotine levels or even ban cigarettes.

27.   Just as importantly for the anti-smoking leaders, the bill would also set new and tougher standards for measuring nicotine levels.

28.   Monday Waxman offered evidence that at least two Philip Morris cigarettes did have altered nicotine levels.

29.   Philip Morris officials have also denied manipulating nicotine levels.

30.   Producers have repeatedly denied, however, that they use ammonia to manipulate nicotine levels.