Koop and Kessler and the leaders of other major public health organizations that repeated this public health vision. The letter included very strong, unambiguous opposition to granting immunity to the tobacco industry. Congress should focus its efforts on public health, not concessions the tobacco industry seeks. Unfortunately, a few organizations, including the National Center for Tobacco Free Kids and the American College of Chest Physicians, sent a second letter that showed their willingness to consider legislation that limits the tobacco industry s liability. With great regret, it appears that we have not yet been able to unite the public health community around the Lung Association s clear, unambiguous position that immunity for the tobacco industry is unacceptable.
Immunity is a deal breaker.
Even in a comprehensive public health bill, if they include immunity, we will work to kill the legislation. Save Lives is a nationwide coalition of more than 300 organizations that oppose special protections for the tobacco industry and are committed to a strong public health policy. Dr. Koop has endorsed the coalition s principles. It is important to recognize why we are here today. It is not just the simple fact that cigarettes kill over 430,000 people each year.