The Nation - News from April 10, 1986

Eight House members introduced legislation to restrict smoking to designated areas of U.S. government buildings. “You always hear about important political decisions being made in smoke-filled rooms,” said Rep. Don Ritter (R-Pa.), the principal sponsor. “Well, if our bill is successful, those decisions will have to be made in designated smoke-filled rooms.” Under the measure, the secretary of health and human services, in consultation with the surgeon general, would develop regulations designating the specific areas of U.S. government-occupied buildings in which smoking would be allowed.