The company, now part of the Altria Group and home to Marlboro cigarettes, was hoping the bill would cut the sum - the amount it has to lodge with the court if it is to allow an appeal - by 90%.

BBC: Marlboro lights

The Ganske-Dingell bill would allow more time for an appeal, calls for a review panel composed of outside parties independent of the insurance industry and would not limit damages in state court.

CNN: Issues in the House debate over patients' rights

Three judges, who sat in the Court of Appeal until 2100 BST on Thursday, have reserved their judgement in an appeal against a decision to allow the march.

BBC: Decision due over march challenge