Federal leadership and funding for tobacco prevention and control is essential. In SOTC 2026, the Lung Association is introducing a new Federal Funding for Tobacco Prevention and Control grade. The new grade will track whether Congress provides full funding without harmful policy riders to FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products and CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health. This grade replaces the previous Federal Minimum Age of Sale for Tobacco Products grade, which has been accomplished by the federal government after rules to implement the law were finalized by FDA in 2024.
A grade was awarded in this category based on whether Congress provided funding in its annual appropriations bills or by continuing resolution to CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health and FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products.
The Federal Funding for Tobacco Prevention and Control grade breaks down as follows:
| Grade | Points Earned |
|---|---|
| A | 8 Points |
| B | 7 Points |
| C | 6 Points |
| D | 5 Points |
| F | Under 5 Points |
Funding for FDA Center for Tobacco Products (4 points)
Target is Congress provides funding for FDA Center for Tobacco Products at levels called for in Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act without including limiting policy riders.
+4 points: Congress provides full funding without including limiting policy riders.
+2 points: Congress provides full funding but with policy riders.
+1 points: Congress provides funding at a level inconsistent with the Tobacco Control Act
+0 points: No funding at all provided.
Funding for CDC Office on Smoking and Health (4 points)
Target is Congress provides full funding ($310 million for FY26) to CDC’s Office on Smoking Health without including limiting policy riders.
+4 points: Congress provides full ($310 million) funding and no limiting policy riders
+3 points: Congress provides level ($246.5 million) funding with no limiting policy riders
+2 points: Congress provides less than level funding without limiting policy riders or level funding but with limiting policy riders
+1 points: Congress provides less than level funding with limiting policy riders
+0 points: No funding at all is provided.
Page last updated: January 26, 2026