Rep. Waxman Statement on U.S. District Court Ruling on Cigarette Packaging

"I disagree with the district court’s decision announced today and this court’s prior action to prevent the implementation of graphic warning labels.  The provisions on enhanced tobacco warnings were enacted in 2009 with broad, bipartisan majorities in the House and Senate. These provisions were informed by scientific evidence showing that current warning labels have run their course and that labels with graphic warnings would be more effective in protecting the public’s health from tobacco’s addictive and toxic qualities.   Congress did, in fact, carefully consider the First Amendment issues involved and carefully tailored the legislation to ensure the FDA could act as it has proposed with graphic warning labels for tobacco products.  I expect the decision will be appealed, and on further judicial review, the constitutionality of these public health protections will be affirmed – as they have been by another district court.”