American Lung Association Decries Action by House of Representatives Appropriations Committee to Undermine FDA's Tobacco Control Act

Statement of Harold P. Wimmer, National President and CEO of the American Lung Association, in response to vote by House Appropriations Committee to weaken the U.S. Food and Drug Administration"s (FDA"s) Tobacco Control Act:

"The American Lung Association is deeply disappointed that the House Appropriations Committee voted today in favor of an amendment that would substantially rewrite the Tobacco Control Act and weaken FDA"s ability to protect the health of the public and our nation"s youth from tobacco products.

"This rider was added to this bill at the behest of the tobacco industry and comes at a time when e-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco product among kids. These dangerous provisions show that too many in Congress are still willing to prioritize Big Tobacco over the health of our nation, particularly young people who will become the next generation of addicted smokers and tobacco users, and whose health will suffer as a result."

For media interested in speaking with an expert about e-cigarettes, tobacco use and lung health, contact the American Lung Association at [email protected] or 312-801-7628.