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Amanda Jekowsky , American College of
Cardiology, 202-375-6645, ajekowsk@acc.org
June
11, 2009
The American College of Cardiology Applauds Congressional
Passage of the “Family Smoking Prevention & Tobacco
Control Act”
Washington, DC—The American College of Cardiology (ACC)
applauds the Senate action today to pass the “Family
Smoking Prevention & Tobacco Control Act” which
grants the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authority to
regulate tobacco products. The bill will grant the FDA the
authority to restrict tobacco marketing and sales to youth;
require detailed disclosure of ingredients; allow FDA to require
changes to tobacco products; and require larger, more specific
health warnings. The Senate passed the bill today by a vote
of 79-17. The House on April 2 approved the bill in a 298-112
vote.
“After many years of trying to pass this legislation,
today Congress has taken a stand and this goes a long way
in keeping tobacco products out of the hands of children.
At long last Congress has chosen to end the special protections
for the tobacco industry and protect our children and our
nation's health instead” said Jack Lewin, M.D., CEO
of the American College of Cardiology.
The American College of Cardiology has been a long-time advocate
for this legislation, working alongside the Campaign for Tobacco
Free Kids.
Nearly one-fifth of deaths from cardiovascular disease are
attributable to smoking — deaths that are preventable.
Each day, 3000 children begin smoking in the United States,
and each year another 1 million young people will become regular
smokers. One of every 3 of these adolescents will die prematurely
as a result of tobacco use. The ACC believes the federal government
has a responsibility to help keep cigarettes and other tobacco-related
products out of the hands of children through proper advertising,
marketing, and other enforcement mechanisms.
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The American College of Cardiology is leading the way to optimal
cardiovascular care and disease prevention. The College is
a 36,000-member nonprofit medical society and bestows the
credential Fellow of the American College of Cardiology upon
physicians who meet its stringent qualifications. The College
is a leader in the formulation of health policy, standards
and guidelines, and is a staunch supporter of cardiovascular
research. The ACC provides professional education and operates
national registries for the measurement and improvement of
quality care. More information about the association is available
online at www.acc.org .
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) provides these news
reports of clinical studies published in the Journal of
the American College of Cardiology as a service to physicians,
the media, the public and other interested parties. However,
statements or opinions expressed in these reports reflect
the view of the author(s) and do not represent official policy
of the ACC unless stated so.
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