Statement

Ranking Member Henry A. Waxman released the following statement in response to a report released by the U.S. Surgeon General on tobacco use by young people:

"The evidence is indisputable: The best way to prevent addiction to tobacco among adults -- and to reduce the astronomical medical costs associated with tobacco-related diseases -- is to help our kids not to start in the first place. Today's Surgeon General's report makes clear that our work in preventing tobacco use among our nation's children and youth is far from done. One in four high school seniors smoke, and another 1.4 million youth try their first cigarette each year. And it's no wonder with billions of marketing and advertising dollars dedicated each year to promoting cigarette and smokeless tobacco sales.

We must do better. We can do better. To get the job done, we should make use of all available authorities under the Tobacco Control Act as well as other proven strategies. I applaud the Surgeon General for this important report and other ongoing efforts by the Administration to achieve our shared goal of ending this pediatric epidemic and making our next generation tobacco free."