Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) voiced his strong support for H.R. 1256 the “Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.”  The House approved the Senate amendment to the bill today, 307-97.  The bill now goes to President Obama for his signature.  The Congressman has spent many years working on the legislation considered in the House today, including shepherding the bill through the Energy and Commerce Committee last year as Chairman. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery on the House floor:

“Thank you, Madam Speaker.

“I rise today in strong support of the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1256, ‘Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.’

“The decision to vote in favor of today's bill is a very easy one.  It was an easy one, because I am convinced that the ‘Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act’ will go a long way in regulating the most unregulated consumer product on the market today.  A product which:

·      Is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States;

·      Kills more than 400,000 Americans annually; and

·      Accounts for more than $96 billion in health care costs every year.

“Every day, approximately 3,500 kids will try a cigarette for the first time, and another 1,000 will become new, regular daily smokers.

“The legislation will restrict marketing and sales to youth; grant FDA authority to restrict tobacco marketing; require detailed disclosure of ingredients; and allow FDA to require changes to tobacco products to protect the public health.

“I commend Chairman Waxman and my dear friend, Senator Kennedy, for their persistent leadership on this legislation in the Congress.  I am honored to have my name associated with the legislation and for the opportunity I had to work with them on this issue.

“Madame Speaker, I know first hand that the ‘Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act’ is good piece of legislation.  I had the distinct pleasure of shepherding it through the Energy and Commerce Committee last year.  Today's legislation largely reflects the work we did then.

“Madame Speaker, this legislation has been in the works for a long time.  Nothing stands in our way to send it to the President's desk.  I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of the ‘Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act’—the American people deserve it. 

“Thank you, Madam Speaker.”

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