[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 51 (Tuesday, April 20, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E570]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE 5TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICAN LEGACY FOUNDATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HENRY A. WAXMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 20, 2004

  Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the American 
Legacy Foundation on its fifth year of saving lives. The Foundation was 
established through the settlement agreement between the tobacco 
industry and state attorneys general. Five years ago, we did not know 
whether this unique public education and research would bear fruit.
  It is now clear that the Legacy Foundation has exceeded all of our 
expectations. While even getting one child, teenager, or adult to quit 
smoking is a victory in itself, programs and research supported by the 
Legacy Foundation have affected thousands of young lives.
  The Foundation's innovative ``truth'' campaign is particularly 
impressive. This successful campaign has been cited by academic studies 
and credited to have helped reduce smoking rates among 8th'', 10th, and 
12th graders. Programs such as ``Circle of Friends,'' ``Great Start,'' 
and ``Priority Populations'' are also making a large impact.
  There is still so much more to do. Tobacco still causes more death 
than alcohol, AIDS, car accidents, illegal drugs, murder and suicides 
combined. Lung cancer still kills more women than breast and cervical 
cancer combined. While this Congress and this Administration has 
largely ignored the dangers of tobacco use, millions of teenagers have 
become addicted, many of whom will die from entirely preventable 
diseases.
  Unfortunately, at this pivotal time, funding for the American Legacy 
Foundation is dropping precipitously. It is imperative that a way be 
found to sustain the Legacy Foundation and its important work.

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