Hispanic Health group supports tobacco regulations

National Alliance for Hispanic Health Statement on Passage of Bill Granting FDA Authority to Regulate Tobacco
PRESS RELEASE

WASHINGTON, DC - Dr. Jane L. Delgado, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, the nation's leading Hispanic health advocacy group, released the following statement on the House's passage of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, which will provide the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with authority to regulate tobacco products.

"Fifteen years ago Congressman Waxman summoned the heads of big tobacco to the Capitol for a hearing where they all testified that nicotine is not addictive. Today, Congress is finally one step closer to putting the regulation of tobacco in the hands of scientists who will tell the truth to the American public and protect our health - the FDA."

"This legislation will give the American public accurate disclosure of toxic substances in tobacco and allow FDA to protect the public's health through better warnings on tobacco products and restrictions on promotion."

"Every day 3,500 children try a cigarette for the first time and another 1,000 become addicted. New data show that Hispanics 8th graders are now more likely than their peers to have smoked. Before another generation becomes addicted to tobacco Congress must tell big tobacco their duplicity is over. We urge swift passage in the Senate of FDA regulation of tobacco and look forward to President Obama making it law."