[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 42 (Tuesday, March 30, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E485]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN LEGACY FOUNDATION

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                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 30, 2004

  Ms. NORTON.  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the American 
Legacy Foundation, a national organization dedicated to helping young 
people reject tobacco and Americans quit smoking. The foundation 
recently celebrated its fifth anniversary and I am proud that this 
organization has chosen our Nation's Capital as its home base.
  Forty-seven million Americans smoke, but tobacco is not an equal 
opportunity killer. Forty years ago, the well educated and affluent 
smoked more, but the 21st century smoker is typically lower income and 
less educated. Today, the negative impact of tobacco-related disease 
disproportionately affects the poor and ethnic or cultural minorities.
  For the last 2 fiscal years, the District of Columbia ranked last 
among the States in tobacco prevention spending. This is exactly why 
Congress must support the Metro D.C. Call Center, as well as innovative 
and results-oriented programs like the American Legacy Foundation's 
truth campaign, Circle of Friends and Great 
Start. The Metro D.C. Call Center and programs such as 
truth do help DC residents reject tobacco and 
pursue healthier lifestyles.
  The American Legacy Foundation was created out of the Master 
Settlement Agreement put forth by our Nation's attorneys general, but 
under the terms of the agreement, the American Legacy Foundation 
received its last payment earlier this year. This dramatic reduction of 
resources jeopardizes all of the successes the foundation has achieved.
  That's why I would like to ask my fellow colleagues to join me in 
recognizing the American Legacy Foundation and its groundbreaking 
programs, and pledge our continued support for this vital organization.

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