Lung Association Applauds US Senate for Passing FDA Control Over Tobacco Legislation

ALBANY, NY (06/11/2009)(readMedia)-- The American Lung Association in New York hailed U.S. Senate passage of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (S.982) and commended Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) for showing their support for tobacco control by voting in favor of the bill. Senate passage of the legislation means this important measure, which will give the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) much-needed regulatory control over tobacco products, is closer than ever to reaching President Obama's desk.

"Tobacco use is the number one preventable cause of death in New York state, killing over 25,000 people every year, and costing our state a staggering $14 billion annually," said Michael Seilback, Vice President, Public Policy & Communications. "A new federal law giving the FDA regulatory control over this deadly product will go a long way toward reducing the number of new and existing smokers in New York state and, ultimately, save lives."

Each day, the tobacco industry lures 1,100 kids into becoming regular, daily smokers. Half will eventually die from smoking related illness in their adult years.

The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control bill will not only allow the FDA to regulate how tobacco companies market their products to children and the public, but will give the FDA the authority to monitor health claims made about tobacco products and prevent manufacturers from manipulating tobacco products to make them more addictive.

The American Lung Association's State of Tobacco Control 2008 report gave the federal government an "F" for its failure to regulate tobacco products.

"The American Lung Association in New York is pleased that New York's Congressional delegation showed their commitment to public health by overwhelmingly supporting this measure," added Seilback. "Now it is absolutely imperative that the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill be worked out quickly so that President Obama can sign the bill into law."

For more information, or to view the complete New York state report card, visit us online at www.alany.org/SOTC.