[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 22 (Thursday, March 3, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 3, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
 AMERICAN AIRLINES AND UNITED AIRLINES PROHIBIT SMOKING ON SOME FLIGHTS

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                         HON. RICHARD J. DURBIN

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 3, 1994

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to call my colleagues' attention to 
the recent actions taken by American Airlines and United Airlines to 
prohibit smoking on some of their overseas flights. This is a great 
step forward for all of those associated with the ongoing struggle to 
protect nonsmokers from the dangers of secondhand smoke.
  In 1987, this body adopted my amendment to ban smoking on short 
domestic flights. In 1989, we expanded that ban to cover virtually all 
domestic flights. We took this action because smoke-free flights are 
healthier and safer for passengers and crew alike. The dangers of 
secondhand smoke are equally present on international flights.
  In 1992, a campaign to establish smoke-free skies worldwide was 
initiated by the American Lung Association, the American Heart 
Association, and the American Cancer Society, united as the Coalition 
on Smoking or Health.The member nations of the International Civil 
Aviation Organization have adopted a resolution calling for a smoke-
free travel environment on all international flights by July of 1996. 
This action taken by United and American Airlines is an important move, 
and a victory for the thousands of international travelers who will be 
able to fly free from the risks associated with secondhand smoke.
  Mr. Speaker, I applaud the recent efforts of United and American 
Airlines in joining this battle. I would strongly encourage other 
airlines to do the same and to extend the smoking ban to all flights.

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