For the report, commissioned by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the scientific panel did not conduct its own study. It instead extensively examined the published and unpublished data...
Second hand studies.
How many studies were included in the "extensive examination of the published and unpublished data"?
How many studies were left out? How thoroughly were studies vetted for the rigorousness of their methodology?
How much did the motivation of the "scientific panel" enter into it's evaluation of the second hand studies?
In other words, did they go in looking for validation for their belief in the need for nanny-state regulations against smoking?
Yes.