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Washington, DC 2000/05/16 -The American Cancer Society, the nation’s
leading voluntary health organization, today released the following statement by
John R. Seffrin, Ph.D., CEO of the American Cancer Society, on the new tobacco
legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Bill Frist (D-TN).
"Some people are calling this bill a first step. We fear it is a step
backwards. Meaningful regulation of tobacco products is critical to the public
health and we can’t afford to get it wrong. Senator Frist’s new bill is far
weaker than the version he drafted in 1998 and, unfortunately, contains
loopholes and hurdles the tobacco industry will no doubt exploit. We have fought
for 30 years to get FDA regulation over tobacco and we look forward to working
with all Members of Congress over the coming months and year to ensure that we
get it right for America's kids. America and its children deserve better than a
bill which protects tobacco interests and not those of the public."
The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary
health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by
preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through
research, education, advocacy and service.
For more information about cancer, call toll-free anytime 1-800-ACS-2345 or
visit the American Cancer Society website at www.cancer.org.
Unice B. Lieberman
Director, Advocacy Communications
American Cancer Society
202-661-5710
Unice.Lieberman@cancer.org
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