TPP strengthens tobacco laws

I recently attended a town hall hosted by my U.S. Congressman Rick Larsen, 2nd District, D-Wash. As a cancer survivor and American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network volunteer, I want Congress to do everything to defeat cancer — not just in this country, but around the world.

Congress will have an opportunity to do just that next year when it considers the recently negotiated Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement. The TPP would prohibit the tobacco industry from using the agreement to undermine lifesaving tobacco control laws in the United States and 11 other countries.

The TPP would help countries protect laws that discourage tobacco use and promote public health from tobacco industry lawsuits that are intended to delay or undermine such laws. This is a big step in the right direction, especially considering that tobacco use is on track to kill 1 billion people globally this century. Countries around the world are acting to prevent the public health calamity caused by tobacco use, and the TPP would help them do it.

Smoking rates in the United States are at an all-time low, thanks in part to smoke-free workplace policies, tobacco taxes and proven programs that help people quit. Tobacco companies try to protect their profits by overturning policies like these in any way they can. By approving the TPP, Congressman Larsen and his colleagues could help to stop them.

Christine Griffiths

Bothell