John,

The Washington Post just reported that the Biden Administration is wavering on the FDA's plan to eliminate menthol cigarettes – and that a decision may be imminent.

We've come too far to fumble this on the one-yard line!

We need to flood the White House with messages supporting the FDA's plan today.

TAKE ACTION NOW >> [[link removed]]

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The Washington Post
White House weighs menthol ban amid dueling health, political pressures
By Dan Diamond and Tyler Pager | January 10, 2023

"White House officials are wrestling with one of the most consequential public health decisions of President Biden’s term: whether to enact a nationwide ban on menthol cigarettes, which are a leading cause of death among Black Americans...

"The Biden administration has already delayed its decision on the ban, which was first expected last summer...

"Several officials characterized the decision on the menthol ban as a toss-up , but at least one key leader is alarmed about its prospects. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Robert Califf, whose agency has overseen development of the ban, has told allies he’s resigned to the White House further delaying or effectively icing the ban altogether." Read more >> [[link removed]]
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Big Tobacco and their paid spokespeople have been lying to the Biden Administration, saying that eliminating menthol cigarettes will cost the president votes in the upcoming election. Their scare tactics must be rejected!

Here's the truth:

• Eliminating menthol cigarettes is supported by a huge coalition of public health, social justice, medical, parent, community and other organizations – including 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 many, many more.

• Eliminating menthol cigarettes would save up to 654,000 lives within 40 years, including the lives of 255,000 Black Americans.

• Menthol is the only cigarette flavor still allowed in the U.S. In 2009, Congress passed a law that prohibited all other cigarette flavors, but the tobacco companies got an exemption for menthol – their most addictive flavor and the one they use to target Black Americans.

• Menthol cigarettes lure and addict kids. Their minty taste and cooling sensation make them easier to start, more addictive and harder to quit. Kids age 12-17 are the highest users of menthol cigarettes, and half of youth smokers started by using menthols.

The Biden Administration must put saving lives above politics or profit.

Tell the Biden Administration to keep its promise to eliminate menthol cigarettes! Send a message now >> [[link removed]]

It'll only take a moment, but it could make a huge difference.

Thanks for standing with us,

John Bowman
Executive Vice President, U.S. Programs

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