Frank Lautenberg: “I rise to introduce and discuss my bill, the ``Truth in Cigarette Labeling Act.'' I wish to thank my colleagues…”

“I rise to introduce and discuss my bill, the ``Truth in Cigarette Labeling Act.'' I wish to thank my colleagues, Senators Clinton, Harkin, Menendez, Reed, Durbin, Kennedy and Leahy for co-sponsoring this important legislation. My bill bans the tobacco industry from using deceptive cigarette marketing terms such as ``light'' and ``low tar'' to imply health benefits and it prohibits cigarette manufacturers from making any claims based on the cigarette testing method established by the Federal Trade Commission called the ``FTC Method,'' which measures tar and nicotine yields. My legislation is consistent with the recent court ruling issued by U.S. District Judge Gladys Kessler. Kessler's ruling says cigarette manufacturers must stop labeling cigarettes as `'low tar'' or `'light'' or `'natural'' or with other `'deceptive brand descriptors which implicitly or explicitly convey to the smoker and potential smoker that they are less hazardous to health than full-flavor cigarettes.'' The tobacco companies are appealing that ruling, which will likely tie it up in the courts for a while. This makes it necessary for Congress to act now and pass my bill. Many smokers switch to cigarette brands advertised as ``low tar'' or ``light'' out of concern for their health, believing that such cigarettes are less risky or a step toward quitting. These claims are based on the FTC tar ratings, which are now known to be inaccurate in assessing the behavior of actual smokers.…”