News Release

Statements By Kathleen G. Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services and Margaret A. Hamburg, Commissioner of Food and Drugs, Regarding Passage of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act

Kathleen G. Sebelius: I am pleased Congress has taken swift action to pass the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation of tobacco products will be a critical piece of a coordinated effort to save lives, lower costs and reduce suffering from heart disease, cancer and other tobacco-related illness.  This is a great step towards a healthier America.

Margaret A. Hamburg: The FDA welcomes the authority given to us by Congress to regulate tobacco products. Because smoking and chewing tobacco cause serious public health problems, we view our new responsibilities as a logical extension of our public health mission to protect and to advance the health of Americans. As we do with foods, drugs and medical products, the agency will rely on the best available science in fulfilling its regulatory responsibilities concerning tobacco.

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Last revised: July 30, 2009