U.S. House of Representatives Scheduled to Vote on Legislation Amidst Controversy

The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on legislation that includes provisions undermining efforts to promote nutrition and food security, and prevent tobacco use. The American Heart Association has expressed disappointment with the legislation, stating that it prioritizes the interests of the food and tobacco industry over public health and well-being. The bill in question would impede the FDA's work on reducing nicotine levels in cigarettes, permit the sale of menthol cigarettes, and weaken efforts to establish healthy food benefits for vulnerable populations.

Key Takeaways:

• The bill includes provisions that would undermine the FDA's efforts to reduce nicotine levels in cigarettes, prohibit the sale of menthol cigarettes, and develop a plan to reduce nicotine levels in cigarettes, with 75% of adult smokers in the United States smoking menthol cigarettes (Source: American Heart Association).
• The legislation would also interrupt the USDA's efforts to improve school meals, prevent the FDA from working with industry on sodium reduction efforts, and weaken efforts to establish a definition of healthy food for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (Source: American Heart Association).
• The American Heart Association urges Congress to remove these provisions from the final bill, prevent a costly government shutdown, and prioritize public health (Source: American Heart Association).
• The American Heart Association is a leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain health, with a mission to ensure equitable health in all communities (Source: American Heart Association).

Statistics:

• 75% of adult smokers in the United States smoke menthol cigarettes, with menthol cigarettes being more addictive and difficult to quit than non-menthol cigarettes (Source: American Heart Association).
• The FDA has implemented a proposal to reduce nicotine levels in cigarettes, which has been hindered by the bill's provisions (Source: American Heart Association).
• The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children serves vulnerable populations, including infants, pregnant women, and children under the age of five (Source: USDA).

Sources:

• American Heart Association, "American Heart Association Statement on U.S. House of Representatives Legislation for USDA, Rural Development, FDA and Related Agencies" (September 27, 2017)