DeGette Hails Passage of Smoking Prevention Bill

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), Vice Chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, today hailed the passage of H.R. 1256, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, as amended by the Senate, by a vote of 307 to 97. This legislation grants the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authority to regulate the advertising, marketing, and manufacturing of tobacco products in order to protect the public health. U.S. Rep. DeGette secured a provision in the bill that requires a study and report on the public health implications of raising the minimum age to purchase tobacco products.

"The tobacco industry routinely targets young people through its marketing techniques," said DeGette. "We must stay focused on stopping tobacco companies from hooking a new generation on their deadly products. This bill gives the FDA the tools it needs to improve public health and to save lives."

The legislation now moves to the President's desk for his signature.