Virginia Faith Leaders Call on Sens. Webb & Warner to Support Legislation to Protect Kids Fr...( Press Conference March 5 at 11 a.m. i...),Health

Press Conference March 5 at 11 a.m. in Richmond

RICHMOND, Va., March 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Faith and public health leaders from Virginia will hold a press conference on March 5 in Richmond to call on U.S. Senators Jim Webb and Mark Warner and the entire Virginia Congressional Delegation to support legislation that would grant the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authority over tobacco products. The House Energy and Commerce Committee is scheduled to mark-up the bill this Wednesday, a full House vote is expected in the coming weeks.

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The legislation would give FDA the authority to crack down on tobacco marketing and sales to kids, stop tobacco companies from misleading the public about the health risks of their products and allow the FDA to make changes in these products, such as the reduction or removal of harmful constituents. Unbelievably, despite being the most deadly product sold in America, tobacco products are exempt from basic health regulations that apply to other products we consume, such as food and drugs. The FDA regulates a box of macaroni and cheese and a tube of lipstick, but not a pack of cigarettes. Products that are regulated by the FDA will be on display at the event.

WHAT: Faith leaders' press conference calling for legislation to give the FDA authority over tobacco products to protect children and save lives

WHO: Linda Crabbs, Associate Pastor, Good Shepherd United Methodist Church

Bishop Charlene Kammerer, United Methodist Church- Virginia Conference

Ali Faruk, Policy Analyst, Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy

M. Imad Damaj, President, Virginia Muslim Coalition

WHERE: Good Shepherd
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