WASHINGTON, DC -- In an effort to curb smoking, improve public health, and save billions of taxpayer dollars each year, the U.S. Senate is currently debating the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, legislation long supported by Jack Reed (D-RI) to give the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authority to regulate tobacco products and prohibit misleading tobacco advertisements.

"Smoking is a public health problem, but it is also an economic problem that costs our health care system over $100 billion each year. This legislation will give the FDA the power to regulate tobacco and prevent tobacco companies from targeting minors. Passing this bill will help reduce health care costs, prevent young people from smoking, and create a healthier future for our nation," said Senator Jack Reed, a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. Earlier today Reed joined with Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chris Dodd (D-CT), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Matt Myers, President of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, at a press conference urging passage of the bill.

Later, during a speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate, Reed noted: "Every year that passes and this legislation is not enacted, another 4,700 children in Rhode Island try a cigarette for the first time, and that will lead to about 1,400 children in my state alone becoming regular daily smokers each year. These new smokers become part of the 8.6 million individuals nationwide suffering from smoking caused illnesses. They become part of the 400,000 deaths every year attributed to tobacco use. We can and must do more to curb the use of this very serious and deadly substance. This is a public health emergency that demands action."

The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act would give the FDA broad authority over the ingredients, manufacturing, packaging, and marketing of cigarettes and other tobacco products. Specifically, the bill would:

• Authorize the FDA to regulate tobacco products with new standards and requirements that are specifically tailored to the substance.

• Enable the FDA to restrict tobacco advertising and marketing practices that target children and mislead the public by regulating the sale, distribution, and advertising of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco "consistent with and to the full extent permitted by the First Amendment."

• Require stronger print and new graphic warning labels for all tobacco packages and advertising with adjustments in format, type, size, and text. The new labels would be required to have an unambiguous description of the health problems that may result from tobacco use. The FDA would have the authority to update these labels.

• Prevent misrepresentation by tobacco manufacturers of the addictiveness of nicotine in their products. The FDA would also have authority to require prior approval of statements made on the label of a tobacco product.

• Authorize the removal of hazardous ingredients to ensure that the inherent risk of using tobacco products is not unnecessarily increased. Tobacco products must meet specific product standards and pre-market review. The FDA would have the authority to update the requirements based on new medical, scientific, or other data.

• Ensure tobacco companies, not American taxpayers, bear the cost of regulation by establishing a user fee on tobacco manufacturers and importers, based on their market share.

The legislation is supported by President Barack Obama, FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg, and hundreds of public health advocacy groups such as the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association, and the American Medical Association.

A similar version of the bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives last month.