Groups applaud introduction of tobacco legislation

Sens. Ted Kennedy (D, Mass.) and John Cornyn (R, Texas) and Reps. Henry Waxman (D, Calif.) and Tom Davis (R, Va.) have introduced the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. The legislation would give the FDA authority over tobacco products, including the following actions: restricting tobacco advertising and promotions, especially to children; stopping illegal sales of tobacco products to children; banning candy-flavored cigarettes; requiring changes in tobacco products, such as the removal of harmful ingredients or the reduction of nicotine levels; prohibiting 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; requiring tobacco companies to disclose the contents of their products; requiring larger and more informative health warnings on tobacco products; and prohibiting terms such as light, mild, and low tar. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, and Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids applauded the introduction of the legislation and issued the following joint statement: "This legislation presents Congress with a truly historic opportunity to protect our children from tobacco addiction and save lives by addressing the nation's No. 1 preventable cause of death."

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