AMA Applauds House Committee Passage of Tobacco Regulation Bill

WASHINGTON, April 2, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The following statement was issued today by AMA President Ron Davis, M.D.:

"The American Medical Association applauds the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee for passing the "Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act." The AMA urges the full House to take a critical step to combat smoking-related diseases by passing the bill this year, giving the FDA needed regulatory authority over tobacco products.

"Given what we know about the dangers of smoking, it is astonishing that tobacco products are one of the least regulated products in our society. The time is now for Congress to pass legislation to regulate the tobacco industry and protect the health of Americans, particularly our nation’s youth. The bill will stop illegal sales of tobacco products to children, further restrict marketing, especially to kids, and require more informative package health warnings.

"The FDA currently serves a vital role in protecting the health of Americans through the regulation of food and drugs. This bill ensures that the FDA will have the resources necessary to regulate the tobacco industry in addition to its current responsibilities."

American Medical Association

CONTACT: Mollie Turner of AMA Media Relations, +1-202-789-7430,Mollie.turner@ama-assn.org