John Hansen: “today I am introducing the Youth Protection from Tobacco Addiction Act on behalf of this Nation's children, who have…”

“today I am introducing the Youth Protection from Tobacco Addiction Act on behalf of this Nation's children, who have been fooled into believing that smoking is an appealing, appropriate, or even a healthy habit. I want to make a simple fact very clear. Tobacco kills the people who use it, just like cocaine or heroin kills its users; however, more people die from tobacco caused diseases than from illegal drugs, alcohol, homicides, and suicides combined. Nicotine is an ingredient in every cigarette, pouch or pipe tobacco, or can of chewing tobacco. Nicotine is an ingredient unlike any other ingredient you find in the kitchen pantry. It is dangerous and it is a deadly poison. In its liquid form, an injection of only one drop would be deadly. If anyone here likes to work outside in his vegetable garden, as I do, they know that there is not an insecticide on the market that is a more effective killer than nicotine. The nicotine contained in the various tobacco products acts as an addictive poison, not only killing the product user but also creating a strong craving. After using tobacco for a length of time it is very difficult to stop. If you do not believe that tobacco is addictive, go outside any of the House Office Buildings on the coldest day of the year to see the people who brave the freezing temperatures to fulfill their poisonous craving for nicotine.”