Henry A. Waxman is a True Lung Health Champion

Statement of Harold Wimmer, National President and CEO, American Lung Association

(January 30, 2014)—

The American Lung Association thanks Representative Henry A. Waxman for his four decades of championing the lung health of all Americans.  Cleaner air, better health and fewer people smoking are just part of his tremendous lung health legacy.   

Mr. Waxman has been a tireless advocate to protect and promote public health.   Mr. Waxman battled for cleaner, healthier air when working to strengthen the landmark Clean Air Act in 1977 and 1990.   For decades, he determinedly fought to stop the tobacco industry from preying on our children.   He led the fight to pass the bipartisan Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act that finally gave the Food and Drug Administration authority over tobacco products.  

He also led the efforts to increase access to quality health care with the Affordable Care Act.  Not only did Mr. Waxman work to craft these historic bills, he defended each of them from efforts to weaken, delay or undermine their efficacy.   In 1983, Mr. Waxman received the American Lung Association President’s Award recognizing his exemplary leadership on lung health.  The American Lung Association in California honored Mr. Waxman in 1995 with its President’s Award for his work on clean air, tobacco control and lung health.

The American Lung Association wishes Mr. Waxman well in his future endeavors.

###

About the American Lung Association Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is “Fighting for Air” through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lung.org.