Promoting Healthy Alternatives to Sugary Drinks

Sugary drinks contribute to obesity, which has been associated with an increased risk of cancer development and recurrence, as well as decreased risk of survival, for many cancers. Sugary drinks are the leading source of added sugar and one of the leading sources of calories in American diets. About 50 percent of the population consumes at least one sugary drink each day, with about 10 percent of youth consuming three or more. Nearly 40 percent of all added sugars come from sugary beverages.  This bill would place an excise tax on sugary drinks that contain added sugar to reduce consumption.