06.12.09 | Scott Supports Passage of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Senate amendment to H.R. 1256, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act by a vote of 307 to 97 (Roll Call No. 335). The bill was passed first in the House on April, 2, 2009, was subsequently passed in the Senate, and will now go to President Obama to be signed into law.
Representative Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (D-VA-03) voted in favor in the legislation citing its broad, bipartisan support and concerns about the effects an unregulated tobacco industry has on public health.
"I support FDA regulation of tobacco products and I cosponsored the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, to ensure that each person is given the right to decide whether he or she wants to use tobacco products while acknowledging the need to prioritize public health," said Rep Scott. "FDA regulation will establish guidelines so that children, who are not yet mature enough to make decisions regarding tobacco use, will not be targeted in marketing efforts and that consumers will be provided with accurate and scientifically grounded information regarding tobacco products."The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act is supported by more than 1,000 public health, faith and other community organizations including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, and Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. Furthermore, this legislation is supported by Altria Inc. Group and its tobacco operating companies (including Philip Morris USA Inc., U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company, and John Middleton Co.).
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