Letters to my Rep. about Tobacco laws

December 05, 2005 07:48 AM

Senator Lindsey Graham
U.S. Senate
290 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-0001

Senator Jim Demint
U. S. Senate
340 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-0001

Representative John Spratt
U.S. House of Representatives
1401 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-0001

Subject: FDA Regulation of Tobacco Products


Dear Senator Graham: Dear Senator Demint: Dear Representative Spratt:

It's time for Congress to take a stand to protect public health against tobacco products. I urge you to demonstrate support by cosponsoring S. 666/H.R. 1376, offered by Senators DeWine and Kennedy and Representatives Davis and Waxman.

Each day 2,000 children and teens become regular smokers. Over 440,000 Americans die prematurely from smoking related diseases such as cancer, heart disease and lung disease like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

This legislation grants the U.S. Food and Drug Administration effective authority to regulate tobacco products, protecting children and promoting public health.

Unlike any other products consumed by Americans, tobacco products continue to escape even the most basic oversight.

Currently, tobacco companies spend over $12 billion each year in advertising and marketing of their products. A new wave of products, such as candy-flavored cigarettes, Camel Kauai Kolada, Kool Midnight Berry and many others are clearly targeting children and teens. Others are appealing to those concerned about health with claims like "great taste - less toxins." This bill will allow the FDA to stop tobacco companies from marketing to children and making false health claims.

Please support the strong FDA legislation. It will protect the public health and help prevent a new generation from becoming addicted to tobacco products.

Sincerely,

Charlotte Bowman