American Lung Association in Iowa Thanks Senators Harkin and Grassley for Votes to Pass Legislation Granting FDA Authority Over Tobacco Products

DES MOINES, Iowa, June 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The American Lung Association in Iowa is happy to report the U.S. Senate’s 79 to 17 vote in favor of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (HR 1256) today.

The American Lung in Association in Iowa applauds Senators Tom Harkin and Chuck Grassley for playing instrumental roles in the United States Senate this week to ensure passage of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. This important legislation will provide the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to stop the tobacco companies from advertising to children, making misleading health claims about its deadly products and from manipulating their products to make them increasingly more addictive.

By opposing efforts to stall and weaken the legislation, Senators Harkin and Grassley ensured that the FDA is granted strong regulatory authority that will effectively regulate tobacco products to protect the public health of the nation. As supporters of this bipartisan legislation, they have shown tremendous leadership and a commitment to make the health and well being of our nation’s children a priority. Every day more than 3,600 children smoke their first cigarette, and by supporting this legislation, Senators Harkin and Grassley will save thousands of lives.

The American Lung Association in Iowa thanks Senators Harkin and Grassley and now urges the House of Representatives to expedite passage of the Senate-passed version of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act so that it can be sent to President Obama for his signature.

SOURCE American Lung Association of Iowa