John,

We are deeply disappointed to report that the Biden Administration has missed yet another deadline to issue the final rule eliminating menthol cigarettes.

It has been nearly two years since the FDA issued the draft rule – and nearly six months since the FDA sent the final rule to the White House for review. But the White House delayed issuing the final rule in December, and now they've missed the new deadline they set of March 2024.

These delays are unacceptable and harmful to public health.

We've issued a joint statement with the NAACP calling out the Administration and urging immediate action. Here’s an excerpt from our statement:

"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. Make no mistake: Delays cost lives, especially Black lives. Delays allow the tobacco industry to continue its predatory targeting of Black and other communities with menthol cigarettes, resulting in 45,000 Black lives lost to smoking-related diseases every year. If Black lives truly matter, it’s time to get rid of menthol cigarettes, the only flavored cigarettes still on the market."

Help us amplify our message:

READ & SHARE THE STATEMENT >> [[link removed]]

These delays are profoundly disappointing. The Administration must keep its promise, stand up to the tobacco industry and act now to save lives.

We're going to keep fighting to get the Administration to do the right thing.

Thanks for standing with us,

John Bowman
Executive Vice President, U.S. Programs

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