Washington, D.C. Mi– Today the US Senate voted to confirm Dr. Stephen Hahn as the next commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Following is a statement from Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN):
“We appreciate the US Senate working in a bipartisan fashion to confirm the nomination of Dr. Hahn as the next FDA Commissioner. Through his public testimony and willingness to meet with stakeholders from the public health community, in addition to his extensive experience as an oncologist, Dr. Hahn has made it clear he is well-positioned to lead the FDA forward.
“From reviewing and approving innovative therapies and devices, to ensuring the safety of our drug supply, to being given the mandate to regulate the entire tobacco industry, the work of the FDA plays a central role in the fight against cancer. Currently, there is no bigger issue facing the agency than the youth tobacco epidemic. With data showing more than one-quarter of high school students are current users of tobacco products, it’s imperative Commissioner Hahn immediately work to advance and implement effective policies to stem the tide on this worsening epidemic. That should include clearing the marketplace of all flavored tobacco products, including mint and menthol.
“Congress granted the FDA the regulatory authority to oversee all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes – authority that has repeatedly withstood multiple legal challenges from the tobacco industry. It’s past time the agency begins exercising that full authority over an industry that is targeting our children in its bid to addict a new generation to nicotine and tobacco.”
###