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N.J. Sen. Says Smoking Ban Will Protect Health of Senate Employees, Visitors and Make Senate a Leader in Going Smoke-Free
Jump to full article: U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), 2008-05-05
Intro: Today, U.S. Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) applauded action by the Senate Rules Committee to close two smoking rooms in Senate office buildings, a move that will protect the health of Senate staff and U.S. Capitol visitors alike. The closure takes effect today and makes the Senate office buildings some of the first buildings on Capitol Hill to be completely smoke-free.
“Congress should be setting an example when it comes to fighting the health risks of smoking and second-hand smoke. Closing down the smoking rooms and our recent ban on tobacco sales in the Senate are critical steps that will improve the health of those who visit and work in the Senate,” Sen. Lautenberg said. “I want to thank Chairman Feinstein for working with me to keep those who work and visit here safer.”
In August, Lautenberg and Sens. Tom Harkin (D-IA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Jack Reed (D-RI) sent a letter to Senate Rules Committee Chairman Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), requesting the committee “protect the health of employees and visitors to the Senate by eliminating smoking in Senate buildings entirely.” The two smoking rooms closed by the committee’s action were next to a coffee shop in the basement of the Hart Senate Office building; and in the Dirksen Senate Office building cafeteria. Now, smoking is prohibited in all of the Senate’s public buildings. A copy of the letter is attached.
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