Published: August 17, 2008 12:31 am            

Time for Congress to take a stand

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the Family Smoking and Prevention Act demonstrating how far our nation has come in understanding the deadly impact of tobacco. What is even more exciting is that all Mississippi representatives voted in favor of the bill. I would like to thank District 3 Rep. Chip Pickering for voting to pass a bill that will give the FDA authority to regulate tobacco products.

Although this is a major accomplishment, we still have work to do with the U.S. Senate. I support the American Heart Association in their efforts to urge the Senate to follow the House in passing this important legislation. Tobacco-caused disease is the leading preventable cause of death in our county – killing more than 400,000 people each year. Smoking is also a leading preventable cause of heart disease, with smoking-related cardiovascular disease claiming the lives of 150,000 Americans each year.

The tobacco industry continues to practice deceptive marketing practices leading to an increased number of youth and adult smokers. It’s time for Congress to take a stand and fight for the health and safety of the American public.



Tom Maynor

American Heart Association volunteer

Meridian

        

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