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Washington, D.C. --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, today spoke out in strong support of legislation that finally allows the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate tobacco products. The New Jersey congressman gave the following statement during floor debate on H.R. 1108, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill this evening by a vote of 326 to 102.
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Let me begin by emphasizing the importance of this day. Twelve years after the FDA first published a comprehensive rule that would protect children from the harmful affects of tobacco we are finally one step closer to actually implementing its provisions and protecting millions of Americans from a lifetime of addiction and poor health.
"Every day, approximately 4,000 kids try a cigarette for the first time, of which 1,140 become new daily smokers. According to my calculations this means that since 1996, almost five million children have become tobacco addicts. And one-third of those kids will end up dying prematurely from tobacco-related illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer.
"With such implications, it is hard to believe that tobacco products are exempt from the basic health and safety regulations that apply to other consumer products, but in fact they are. Today, the Food and Drug Administration is prohibited from regulating tobacco products, one of the most dangerous products available to consumers. That is why we must act today.
"The FDA regulates toothpaste but not cigarettes; they monitor cereal but not chewing tobacco. And ironically, the FDA regulates both over-the-counter and prescription medications to help people quit smoking, yet has no authority over the cause of the addiction. By passing this bill today, we are one step closer to changing all of that.
"In closing, Madam Speaker, I would like to remind my colleagues that this is not a partisan issue. Two-hundred and thirty-three members of the House support this bill. The injurious effect of tobacco use is an issue that transcends political party, race, gender, and class. It knows no boundaries.
"Today we have the opportunity to say that we will no longer sit by and watch our families and our friends suffer and die from tobacco use. Today we have the chance to save American lives and for that reason this bill deserves the full support of this entire body. I strongly urge a yes vote."
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