WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today applauded news that CVS Health plans to end its membership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce citing its lobbying efforts against tobacco control measures.

“CVS Health has been a leader in anti-tobacco efforts by becoming the first national drug store to stop selling cigarettes in its stores. That decision will save lives in the United States. Today, the company has again taken a firm stand against those seeking to dismantle critical public health efforts to end smoking. This decision will save lives around the world.” said Brown. “Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable and premature disease and it’s downright immoral that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce continues to fight the regulation of dangerous tobacco products. I’m hopeful other companies will follow the lead of CVS Health and make sure their company is left standing on the right side of this public health issue.”

Following reports that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce was working to advance the interests of Big Tobacco, Brown joined his Senate colleagues in a joint statement last week. In February 2014, Brown stood with CVS leadership to mark CVS Health’s landmark decision to end the sale of cigarettes in its stores and invest in smoking cessation efforts.

 

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