Surgeons General,, U.S.P.H.S., Ret. April 2, 1998

We the undersigned, who have been privileged to serve as Surgeons General of the United States, urge the leaders of this nation in the White House and In Congress to work together to pass tobacco legislation this year that clearly and unequivocally protects the public's health.

This year offers the most Important moment In the history of the Tobacco Wars - a moment when America chooses between a path toward social repair, or one toward Irrevocable public loss. After years of Increasing public awareness about nicotine's addictive powers, tobaccos adverse health effects on both users and non-smokers, and the tobacco lndustry's covert, sophisticated targeting of children and youth, the public is encouraged that we now have an opportunity to change how the tobacco industry does business. With evidence of tobacco companies' misdeeds and mendacity growing, sound public health proposals on the table, and broad popular support for action, Congress can make fundamental changes In tobacco policy based solely and exclusively on what is good for the public's health - without making special concessions to the tobacco industry.

Essential public health goals include: reaffirming FDA's full authority to regulate all areas of nicotine and all other Ingredients In tobacco products; protecting children and youth from Influences that create demand for or acceptance of and access to tobacco; providing adequate funds for sound, scientifically established cessation programs; establishing and expanding secondhand smoke laws and regulations; implementing strong international trade policies; and protecting state and local governments from federal preemptions which weaken local authority to protect public health.

We oppose granting the tobacco industry immunity against liability for past, present, or future misdeeds. Congress should focus its efforts on public health, not on protections from legal accountability which the tobacco industry now desperately seeks.

If strong public-health-based tobacco control measures - with no special protections for tobacco - are enacted, we believe this nation will finally enjoy better health and more freedoms against preventable disease and premature death. Youth smoking will decline; Individuals who wish to quit smoking will find the scientifically sound help they need; and public health will Improve worldwide. We urge you to heed the American people's call to do what's right.

S. Paul Ehrlich, M.D.1973-1977

Julius Richmond, M.D. 1977-1981

C. Everett Koop, M.D. 1981-1989

Antonia Novello, M.D. 1990-1993

Joycelyn Elders, M.D. 1993-1994

Audrey Manley, M.D. 1995-1997