John,

Troubling news for the FDA's plan to eliminate menthol cigarettes: After meeting with the tobacco industry and its army of lobbyists last month, the Biden Administration announced today that they will delay issuing a final rule until March – and maybe much longer.

This delay is unacceptable and prioritizes politics over saving the 45,000 Black lives lost to smoking each year. There is absolutely no reason to further delay a policy that has been studied for more than 12 years, is supported by overwhelming scientific evidence, and will save hundreds of thousands of lives.

Urge the Administration to keep its promise and issue a final rule by the end of this year:
TAKE ACTION >> [[link removed]]

Even if you've already sent one, send another! We can't let this stand.

The scientific evidence shows that menthol cigarettes are more addictive, easier for kids to start smoking and harder for smokers to quit.

For decades, the tobacco industry has marketed these products to Black communities, causing devastating and disproportionate harm to the health of Black Americans. Largely because of menthol cigarettes, Black Americans have a harder time quitting smoking and die at higher rates from tobacco-related diseases like cancer, heart disease and stroke. Research shows that prohibiting menthol cigarettes will save up to 654,000 lives within 40 years, including the lives of 255,000 Black Americans.

The FDA’s rule is supported by a wide range of organizations, scientists and elected officials – including Black leaders and organizations.

Supporters include members of the Congressional Black Caucus , the NAACP , other Black civil rights and health organizations, 100 Black Men of America Inc. , the U.S. Conference of Mayors and over 300 faith leaders from across the country. A coalition of more than 100 public health, social justice, medical, parent, community and other organizations voiced strong support in comments submitted to the FDA.

It has already taken far too long to eliminate menthol cigarettes. There have been 14 years of delays.

The Biden Administration must stand up to the tobacco industry and issue this lifesaving rule by the end of the year.

Send a message to the White House today >> [[link removed]]

Then, level-up your online action by calling the White House: 202-456-1414.

Visit our website [[link removed]] to learn more about why menthol cigarettes must be eliminated.

Thanks for standing with us,

John Bowman
Executive Vice President, U.S. Programs

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