Washington, D.C. – Rep. Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), vice-chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, today released the following opening statement, as prepared for delivery, at a hearing titled, “Examining the Implementation of the Tobacco Control Act”:

“I have requested oversight of FDA regulation of tobacco, the agency’s ability to implement the law, and how it is allocating its resources for some time.

“Tobacco results in the deaths of approximately 480,000 Americans every year.  

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates $156 billion in lost wages from premature death.  Economic costs also include $133 billion per year in direct health care costs. 

“For every pack of cigarettes smoked, this nation incurs $18.20 in medical care and lost productivity. About 90% of lung cancer deaths are caused by smoking. Nearly 1 of every 5 deaths is related to smoking. Cigarettes kill more Americans than alcohol, car accidents, suicide, AIDS, homicide, and illegal drugs - combined. 

“I continue to oppose FDA’s role in anything related to tobacco that doesn’t involve people quitting. The FDA should be the gateway for the American public to access lifesaving and improving products. Tobacco should not be in the same building.

“But as long as it is we deserve an accounting of how $1.1 billion in collected in user fees is being spent as well as the plans for the over $500 million that remain unobligated. To put this number in perspective that is roughly 5 times the amount of user fees collected from medical device manufacturers.

“We do know FDA has faced legal challenges with graphic labels. Stakeholders complain of lack of any regulatory guidance, despite statutory direction.

“Has it improved the health of Americans? Every statistic shows us going in the wrong direction.

“Where is FDA? They could not find time to come here and testify. I find that outrageous and offensive to this Committee. I hope GAO can shine light on their actions." 

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