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STATEMENT OF 



CONGRESSMAN JAMES V. HANSEN 



FIRST DISTRICT OF UTAH 



BEFORE THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT 



MARCH 25, 1994 



Mr. Chairman I appreciate the opportunity to submit testimony today 

 before this Subcommittee. I wish to substantiate that Congress has a responsibility 

 to provide guidelines for the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) regulation of 

 tobacco and tobacco products. As Co-Chairman of the Congressional Task Force 

 on Tobacco and Health, I endorse your attempt to address thus complicated and 

 highly controversial issue. 



As we all know, the consequences of tobacco use are widespread and 

 life threatening. Not only do tobacco users suffer, but everyone around them is in 

 danger as well. Tobacco products are directly linked to hundreds of thousands of 

 deaths each year, but the industry is unlike every other industry in America - it is 

 virtually unregulated. Although further regulation goes against the grain of my 

 philosophy, I have no problem endorsing FDA intervention and regulation of this 

 industry when tobacco use is clearly the cause of so much death and disease in the 

 United States. 



My own home state of Utah recently became the second state in the 

 nation to pass a law banning smoking in public places. Utah's law is the most 

 comprehensive in the country, and the first to eliminate smoking in all private and 

 public workplaces. Utah was also the first state to ban cigarette vending machines, 

 prohibit distribution of free tobacco samples, and to ban billboard advertising. I'm 

 thrilled that local lawmakers, businesses, and the military have seen the need to 

 provide a safe and healthy environment for everyone. With the momenmm behind 

 this national wave of health consciousness, I think it would be irresponsible of 

 Congress to not act quickly on this matter. 



I am a cosponsor of H.R. 2147, introduced by Mr. Synar. It's a 

 good bill and I believe its provisions should be seriously considered as you begin 

 drafting guidelines for the FDA. The tobacco industry has gotten away with too 

 much for too long. The fact these companies operate without government 

 intervention is unreal; you can't look anywhere in our market and see a company 

 operating this way. The manufacnire, labeling, distribution and marketing of this 

 business needs government regulation, and it needs it now. I believe we have a 

 responsibility to keep the public fiilly informed and protect people's health. It is 

 important for people to know exactly what ingredients they are inhaling, snuffing 

 or chewing ~ the reality may have a positive impact and save a few lives. So 

 what if it costs the tobacco companies a few dollars, I think they can afford iL 



Mr. Chairman, I encourage you to continue this discussion and design 

 a solution which protects the health of our children and their parents. I thank you 

 for your time. 



