Congress should end this special protection for Big Tobacco by passing legislation to give the
FDA authority to regulate tobacco products. The public health community strongly supports bipartisan bills that have been introduced in Congress:
S. 625 sponsored by Senators Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and John Cornyn (R-TX).
H.R. 1108 sponsored by Representatives Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Tom Davis (R-VA).
This legislation would:
Crack down on tobacco marketing and sales to kids.
Require larger, more effective health warnings on tobacco products.
Require tobacco companies to disclose the contents of tobacco products, changes to their products and research about the health effects of the products.
Grant the
FDA authority to require changes in tobacco products, such as the removal or reduction of harmful ingredients.
Ban candy-flavored cigarettes.
Prohibit terms such as "light", "mild" and "low-tar" that mislead consumers into believing that certain cigarettes are safer.
Prohibit health claims about so-called “reduced risk” products that are not scientifically proven or that would discourage current tobacco users from quitting or encourage new users to start.
This legislation has been co-sponsored by a majority of both the House and the Senate. It has been endorsed by more than 680 public health, faith and other organizations across the country. And it is supported by 70 percent of American voters.
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