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Cornyn: Senate’s Turn To Pass Tobacco Bill, Take Important Steps To Curb Youth Smoking

Bipartisan legislation co-sponsored by Cornyn awaits Senate passage

WASHINGTON— U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, today voiced his support for House passage of a companion measure to legislation he introduced in the Senate, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, (S.625). The Senate version, which Sen. Cornyn introduced along with Sen. Ted Kennedy in February 2007, awaits full consideration by the Senate. The legislation would give the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authority to prevent tobacco manufacturers from targeting young people to smoke and reduce overall tobacco use.

“I’m encouraged the House of Representatives passed this critical piece of legislation and commend them for recognizing the need to take action to crack down on youth smoking, prevent cancer and heart disease, and address rising health care costs. They are sending a strong message to the American people, and it is my hope the Senate will do the same.

“I am hopeful the Senate will match the efforts of the House and bring this bill before the full Senate so we can have a similar opportunity to pass it. The bill will equip the FDA with the authority and resources necessary to take real, tangible steps to prevent tobacco manufacturers from targeting young people and from misleading the public about the dangers of smoking.

“Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in Texas and the United States. Smoking has a serious effect on our young people, and an overwhelmingly majority of adult smokers begin using tobacco before the age of 18. While it has already taken a dramatic toll on too many lives, there is still time to reverse this dangerous trend, and passing the bipartisan Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act would be a step in the right direction,” Sen. Cornyn said.

“House passage of legislation authorizing the Food and Drug Administration to regulate tobacco products is a major step forward. Senator Kennedy believes strongly that this is the most important thing Congress can do to prevent youth smoking and save kids from a lifetime of addiction and early death. Senator Kennedy is greatly encouraged by the strong bipartisan support shown in today’s vote, and he is very hopeful that the Senate will approve it later this year,” said Melissa Wagoner, a spokeswoman for Senator Kennedy, Chairman of the Senate Health Education and Labor Committee.

Background

According to the American Heart Association, cigarette smoking is the most important preventable cause of premature death in the United States. More than 90,000 people die each year from heart diseases caused by smoking. Tobacco takes the lives of 24,000 Texans each year, according to the Texas Department of State and Health Services and results in the loss of over $10 billion in direct medical costs and worker productivity.

The bipartisan Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act will give the FDA the legal authority it needs to:

1. Prevent tobacco advertising that targets children
2. Prevent the sale of tobacco products to minors
3. Help smokers overcome their addiction
4. Identify and reduce the toxic constituents of tobacco products and tobacco smoke for those who continue to be exposed to them
5. Regulate claims about reduced-risk tobacco products
6. Prevent the tobacco industry from misleading the public about the dangers of smoking.

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