NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Map) - Faith, public health and youth leaders from Tennessee will hold a press conference on Tuesday, August 28 in Nashville to support legislation granting the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authority over tobacco products. The leaders will call on the entire Tennessee Congressional Delegation, particularly U.S. Representatives Bart Gordon (D-TN) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) to cosponsor the legislation. As members of the House Subcommittee on Health, Gordon and Blackburn will play a key role in advancing this legislation, HR 1108, The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.

The legislation would give FDA the authority to crack down on tobacco marketing and sales to kids, stop tobacco companies from misleading the public about the health risks of their products and allow the FDA to make changes in these products, such as the reduction or removal of harmful constituents. Unbelievably, despite being the most deadly product sold in America, tobacco products are exempt from basic health regulations that apply to other products we consume, such as food and drugs. The FDA regulates a box of macaroni and cheese and a tube of lipstick, but not a pack of cigarettes. Products that are regulated by the FDA will be on display at the event.

WHAT: Faith leaders' press conference calling for legislation to give the FDA authority over tobacco products that will to protect children and save lives WHO: Dr. Richard Land, President, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, Southern Baptist Convention; Rev. Dave Adams, President, United Methodist Men; Courtney Wilson, Disciples of Christ, Youth Advocate; Bishop Martha Thomas, Tennessee State Diocese, The House of God Church; Dr. David Lowes Watson, Interim Senior Pastor, West End United Methodist Church; and Dr. Chuck Womack, American Heart Association Advocacy Committee (former Mayor of Cookeville) WHERE: West End United Methodist Church 2200 West End Avenue Nashville, Tennessee WHEN: Tuesday, August 28, 2007 11 a.m.