Davis, Waxman, Cornyn, Kennedy to Introduce Tobacco Legislation
Press Conference Set for Feb. 15 at 1:30 p.m.

February 14, 2007

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Tom Davis (R-Va.), ranking member on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, will participate in a press conference with Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., chairman of the committee, as well as Sens. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., and Jon Cornyn, R-Texas, on introduction of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.

The press conference will take place Thursday, Feb. 15, at 1:30 p.m., in S-207 of the U.S. Capitol.

Smoking remains the No.1 preventable cause of death in America, and every day, thousands of children have their first cigarette. This legislation will give the FDA the authority to regulate tobacco products so as to keep tobacco manufacturers from enticing young people to smoke and to assist current smokers in quitting. Also in attendance will be John Kirkwood, president of the American Lung Association, Dan Smith, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and Matt Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids

This legislation will give the FDA the legal authority it needs 1) to prevent tobacco advertising that targets children, 2) to prevent the sale of tobacco products to minors, 3) to help smokers overcome their addiction, 4) to identify and reduce the toxic constituents of tobacco products and tobacco smoke for those who continue to be exposed to them, 5) to regulate claims about reduced risk tobacco products, and 6) to prevent the tobacco industry from misleading the public about the dangers of smoking.