American Lung Association® Public Policy Agenda: 110th Congress 2007-2008: The American Lung Association recognizes that public policy change --legislation and regulation --at all levels of government is key to achieving its mission: To prevent lung disease and promote lung health. The American Lung Association advocacy program supports government, corporate and community policies to translate that mission into reality. The Public Policy Agenda for the 110th Congress identifies major legislative and regulatory issues where the American Lung Association has demonstrated leadership or can show leadership in the future. These issues are identified because there should be opportunities for the American Lung Association to move the issue forward over the next two calendar years or the importance of the issue to the mission of the American Lung Association compels us to begin the work to build to the point where we can see results. The Public Policy Agenda is designed to highlight the top priorities for the American Lung Association’s federal advocacy. State and local advocacy efforts will continue with full support from the National Office. The American Lung Association Public Policy Positions provide a complete description of the public policy goals of the American Lung Association.

Policy Priorities

Secure increased funding for tobacco control programs, including prevention, education and cessation, and full coverage for cessation services under Medicaid and Medicare;

Secure adequately funded, full, unfettered, Food and Drug Administration regulatory authority over the manufacture, sale, distribution, labeling, marketing and promotion of tobacco products;

Secure ratification of a strong, enforceable international Framework Convention on Tobacco Control;

Secure federal support for the Asthma Clinical Research Centers;

Secure funds to implement the development of  a comprehensive federal public health response to asthma, including a nationwide surveillance program;

Defend and strengthen the Clean Air Act and its health-based National Ambient Air Quality Standards to protect the health of all Americans, including populations most at risk;

Secure a new protective ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard;

Secure new regulations to control emissions from locomotive and marine diesel engines;

Increase funding for research, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cures for all lung diseases including asthma, COPD, lung cancer and tuberculosis;

Increase funding for lung-related behavioral and environmental research and research training; and

Increase funding for the public health infrastructure and health programs related to the lung, including preparation for an influenza pandemic.