Action Center

Granting the FDA Authority to Regulate Tobacco will provide strict oversight and restrictions upon a product that is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States.

Tobacco use is the number one cause of preventable death in America.

• It kills more than 400,000 Americans.
• Costs the United States $96 billion in health care bills annually.
• Every day, another 1,200 lives are lost.
• More than 1,000 kids become new regular smokers.

Despite being the deadliest product sold in America, tobacco products are among the least regulated products sold in America. They are exempt from basic health regulations that apply to other consumer products, such as food, drugs and even lipstick.

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you.
1 Corinthians 6, NRSV

This allows tobacco companies to market their deadly and addictive products to children, deceive consumers about the harm their products cause and resist changes that could make their products less harmful.

Congress should end this special protection for the tobacco companies by passing legislation giving the FDA authority to regulate tobacco products and empower the FDA authority to require changes in tobacco products, such as the removal or reduction of harmful ingredients.

This legislation has been endorsed by more than 1,000 public health, faith and other organizations across the country. And it is supported by 70 percent of American voters.