Senator Murray on Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act

June 22, 2009 -- (Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) applauded President Obama for signing into law the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. Senator Murray voted for the bill on June 11th, which passed the Senate 79-17. This law provides the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with the authority to regulate tobacco products, protect families and consumers, and help smokers overcome their addiction.

“Protecting families from the dangers of underage smoking is the right thing to do, and I am proud that we finally gave the FDA the tools they need to do it,” said Senator Patty Murray. “Preventing diseases associated with smoking is especially important now as we work to reform our health care system, lower health care costs, and ensure that all Americans have access to high quality affordable care.”

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Senator Murray is a senior member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee, and worked closely with Senator Kennedy to move this legislation through the committee and onto the Senate floor

This law will give the FDA the legal authority it needs to:

* Regulate Tobacco Products
* Restrict the Sale, Distribution and Advertising of Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco
* Prevent the Sale of Tobacco Products to Youth
* Require Stronger Warning Labels
* Stop Future Misrepresentation of Tobacco Products
* Remove Hazardous Ingredients in Tobacco
* Set Standards for “Lower Risk” Products like “Low-Tar” Cigarettes

Source: Senator Patty Murray