Senator Murkowski, Congresswoman Kelly Honored by the American Lung Association for Work to Improve Lung Health

Yesterday, the American Lung Association presented its Lung Health Research Champion Award to Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and its Public Health Champion Award to Representative Robin Kelly (D-Illinois) for their leadership and support in efforts to improve lung health. 

The annual awards are given out during LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day, where more than 100 LUNG FORCE Heroes – people living with lung cancer and their loved ones – advocates and staff from across the country met with members of Congress to urge them to protect lifesaving research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), critical public health prevention and protections at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Medicaid.

“As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Murkowski has been instrumental in securing robust research budgets for the NIH, enabling the development of cures and treatments. In 2024, she also led bipartisan legislation to hold e-cigarette companies accountable for the youth vaping crisis,” said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. “We have been honored to work with Senator Murkowski on many issues related to lung health and protecting kids from tobacco use and look forward to more impactful work with her in the future.”

Senator Murkowski was presented the Lung Health Research Champion Award in recognition of her exemplary leadership in advancing research funding, tobacco control and public health protections. Senator Murkowski’s leadership on tobacco control includes introducing the bipartisan Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act, which is aimed at placing strict limitations on the use of flavors in tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and cigars, and reversing marketing tactics that make tobacco products more appealing for kids. The Senator has also consistently led on the Resources to Prevent Youth Vaping Act, bipartisan legislation that would require e-cigarette manufacturers pay user fees to FDA to help conduct stronger oversight of the e-cigarette industry. 

“It is essential that Americans are educated on their lung health, including the risk factors of lung cancer and the dangers of vaping,” said Senator Murkowski. “I am a proud partner of the American Lung Association because of their commitment to keeping people healthy and informed.” 

“We are proud to honor Representative Kelly for being a champion of public health priorities, and a fierce advocate in the fight against Big Tobacco. She has led efforts to eliminate the sale of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigar and has consistently defended the role of and funding for CDC in its public health efforts during Congressional hearings, often citing the work they have done in tobacco control.,” said Wimmer. “Her leadership on the Energy and Commerce Committee allows her to shape national health policy, reinforcing her dedication to improving lung health and ensuring all communities have access to the care and resources they need.”

Lung Association staff and volunteers presented Representative Kelly with the Public Health Champion Award for her exceptional leadership in breaking down barriers to care and advocating for policies that prioritize lung health and public health. As Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust, Representative Kelly introduced the Health Equity and Accountability Act, a comprehensive legislative roadmap aimed at improving health outcomes in historically underserved communities, which includes important provisions for lung cancer screening and tobacco cessation. The Congresswoman has also been a vocal advocate for expanding access to quality healthcare, diversifying clinical trials, protecting Medicare and Medicaid for future generations and addressing environmental factors that contribute to poor health.

"We can save Black and Brown lives from lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke with better access to healthcare. I've also led efforts to hold Big Tobacco accountable for targeting Black Americans, especially our youth, in their marketing for flavored menthol cigarettes," said Rep. Kelly. "I'm grateful to the American Lung Association for working with me toward these goals, and I'm honored to receive their Public Health Champion Award. Together, we'll ensure that equity is at the center of public health policy." 

During the American Lung Association’s 2025 LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day on April 9, more than 100 LUNG FORCE Heroes, advocates and staff met with Congress to urge them to protect lifesaving research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), critical public health prevention and protections at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Medicaid health coverage.LUNGFORCE.org/AdvocacyDay.