Historic Tobacco Bill Signed by President Obama

Today, President Obama signed into law the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, granting the Food and Drug Administration regulatory power over the manufacture, sale and marketing of tobacco products. This historic bill marks a turning point in the fight to keep Big Tobacco from luring kids into becoming the next generation of lifelong smokers.

The American Lung Associations applauds the action of House and Senate in passing this landmark legislation and moving it quickly to the President’s desk. We also commend President Obama for signing this lifesaving measure into law without delay.

“The American Lung Association has been fighting to give FDA control over tobacco for more than 20 years. This is literally one of the most important pieces of public health legislation in U.S. history,” says Charles D. Connor, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. “Not only will it give the FDA the power to stop Big Tobacco from marketing to kids, but it will end their sham of deceptive marketing terms like ‘light’ and ‘low tar’ that mislead the public into thinking there is such a thing as ‘safer’ cigarettes.”

The new law prohibits the manufacture of cigarettes flavored to appeal to kids, such as grape, peach and peppermint. It also requires larger, more prominent health warnings on all packaging. Tobacco companies will also be prohibited from making false health claims about their products, such as “light” cigarettes being less harmful to a smoker’s health. Funding required to enable the FDA to regulate tobacco will come through user fees on tobacco product manufacturers.

This is a stunning victory in the fight against tobacco, but much work remains. The Lung Association needs your support to help pass comprehensive smokefree laws in all 50 states, increase cigarette taxes (proven to reduce teen smoking) and make smoking cessation a key component of healthcare reform. Learn how you can join our fight.

With prices going up and regulations tightening, now is the perfect time to kick the tobacco habit. The Lung Association is ready to help, with proven cessations tools, such as our Freedom From Smoking® program and our Not On Tobacco programs, specifically designed to help keep teens off tobacco. Learn more.