Landmark legislation approved June 11 by the Senate gives the Food and Drug Administration authority to effectively regulate the manufacture, marketing and sale of tobacco products.
Curtis RamseyLucas, National Ministries’ national coordinator of Public and Social Advocacy of the American Baptist Church, was involved in introducing the legislation to Congress earlier this year through his involvement with “Faith United Against Tobacco,” a diverse interfaith coalition of religious leaders.
“We believe our nation’s leaders have a moral obligation to do all they can to protect Americans, particularly children, from tobacco addiction and the health consequences of smoking,” said Ramsey-Lucas. “Passage of this legislation and its implementation by the FDA will, in no small measure, move our nation forward in achieving this goal. Yesterday’s action by the Senate is a victory for children today and for those of future generations.”
The new legislation will restrict tobacco advertising and promotions, especially to children, stop illegal sales of tobacco products to children and require more prominent health warnings in advertising and on tobacco packages. It will also allow the FDA to require changes in tobacco products, such as the removal or reduction of harmful ingredients and the reduction of nicotine levels.
Similar legislation was passed by the House in April. President Obama has indicated he will sign the bill when it reaches his desk.
Tobacco products are the No. 1 cause of preventable death and disease in the United States, killing more than 400,000 people and costing the U.S. more than $96 billion in healthcare bills each year. Tobacco products contribute to cancer, heart disease, chronic pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, pneumonia and asthma, and harm virtually every one of the human body’s organs.
Earlier this year, in conjunction with introduction of the legislation, numerous media events around the country featured local faith leaders urging congressional support for the legislation. The Rev. Timothy Bonney, pastor of First Baptist Church of Greater Des Moines, called upon American Baptists to support the legislation at one of these events.
American Baptist Churches USA General Secretary A. Roy Medley said, “God calls us to healthy stewardship of all that has been entrusted to us. This legislation will save countless lives, prevent debilitating disease and protect children who are easily made victims of tobacco products.”
source: http://www.toacorn.com
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