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Congress Delivers Historic Victory for Children's Health by Increasing Tobacco Taxes to Fund SCHIP Program
February 4, 2009The Congress and President Obama today are delivering a historic victory for the health of America's kids by increasing federal tobacco taxes, including a 62-cent increase in the cigarette tax, and expanding the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). This legislation will create a healthier future for millions of children by reducing tobacco use -- the number one cause of preventable death in America -- and expanding health care coverage for kids. The House of Representatives gave final approval to the legislation today, and President Obama is scheduled to sign it into law this afternoon. Full release.