[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 153 (Thursday, November 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2387]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      THE GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT

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                        HON. TODD RUSSELL PLATTS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 17, 2005

  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge today, November 17, 
2005, as the Great American Smokeout. For nearly three decades, the 
American Cancer Society has designated the third Thursday of each 
November as a day for smokers nationwide to unite and kick the deadly 
habit of smoking.
  Today, smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death in the 
United States. It is a major cause of not only lung cancer, but cancers 
of the mouth, larynx, pharynx, esophagus, kidney, bladder, pancreas, 
cervix, and has most recently been associated with acute leukemia and 
cancers of the stomach. Yet, over 45.4 million Americans are addicted 
to tobacco.
  Mr. Speaker, due to the commendable efforts of organizations such as 
the American Cancer Society, 46 million Americans have thankfully 
already quit smoking. The American Cancer Society will be conducting 
activities today throughout the United States to celebrate the Great 
American Smokeout. I encourage all smokers to take part in this 
critically important endeavor.

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