ERLC pushes for FDA regulation of tobacco
- Aug 31, 2004 - comment
The ERLC is calling for adoption of legislation that would authorize the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to regulate tobacco products.
The FDA has never regulated tobacco, but Congress may be on the verge of granting the agency such authority. The Senate approved an amendment to that effect in July, but a version of the same bill approved by the House of Representatives did not include the provision. After the Senate and House reconvene Sept. 7, a conference committee consisting of members of both chambers will negotiate a final report on the different versions to submit to Congress for passage.
In an Aug. 9 letter, ERLC President Richard Land urged House Majority Leader Tom Delay, R.-Texas, to work for approval of the amendment.
“We find it incredible that the FDA can ensure the safety of everyday items like macaroni and cheese, but has no authority over tobacco, a product that kills over 400,000 Americans every year,” Land wrote. “The faith community spends too much time burying mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers who die because they became addicted to tobacco products when they were young.”
Tobacco companies “continue to spend billions of dollars to addict people to this deadly product,” he said. “We also know that the federal government can reduce the staggering addiction rate, particularly among vulnerable children, by fully regulating tobacco products.”
The Senate-approved measure would give the FDA regulatory authority over the manufacturing, marketing, labeling, distribution and sale of tobacco products. The FDA also would be able to mandate changes in tobacco products to make them less addictive or toxic.
The legislation would eliminate the federal quota and price support programs for tobacco. It also would establish a buyout program for tobacco growers that would be funded by tobacco companies.
Further Learning
Learn more about: Family, Addictions, Substance Abuse