Senate Votes to Preserve FDA Authority Over Tobacco Products

Washington, D.C. – August 1, 2018 –  Today the U.S. Senate approved its FY 2019 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. The bill preserves the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) authority over tobacco products and also boosts funding for FDA’s Oncology Center of Excellence (OCE) by $5 million. The OCE was created by the 21^st Century Cures Act and works to ensure that the patient perspective is considered in the regulatory decision-making process through a patient-focused drug development program.  It also creates a unified and collaborative scientific environment to quickly advance the development of innovative and effective oncology products for cancer patients.

A statement from Chris Hansen, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) follows:

“The Senate prioritized the health of our nation today by preserving FDA’s ability to exercise its oversight authority over all tobacco products, including cigars and products that have come to market since the passage of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009. Many of these new products are increasingly popular with youth and it is imperative FDA maintains its regulatory authority to effectively evaluate the potential impact on consumers of all ages. Additionally, ACS CAN was pleased to see the Senate boost funding for FDA’s Oncology Center of Excellence in the upcoming fiscal year as patient feedback is critical in the development of cancer therapies.

“We applaud the Senate for adopting a clean bill and rejecting policy riders that would undercut FDA’s oversight authority of tobacco products. We urge the Senate to hold firm on its position when the negotiations take place to reconcile the Senate and House bills.”