Smoking Bill Approved By Committee

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), Vice Chair of theCommittee on Energy and Commerce, joined her colleagues today inapproving The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act duringthe committee markup. The measure gives the Food and DrugAdministration (FDA) jurisdiction to regulate tobacco. U.S. Rep.DeGette secured a provision in the bill that requires a study andreport on the public health implications of raising the minimum age topurchase tobacco products.

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

The text of the provision secured by U.S. Rep. DeGette reads:

"SEC. 104 STUDY ON RAISING THE MINIMUM AGE TO PURCHASE TOBACCO PRODUCTS.

The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall –

(1) convene an expert panel to conduct a study on the public healthimplications of raising the minimum age to purchase tobacco products;and

(2) not later than 5 years after the date of enactment ofthis Act, submit a report to the Congress on the results of such astudy."

The measure now moves to the full House floor for consideration.