Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education
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The Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act of 1970

7/25/2017

 
By Jody Brumage
​

Congress passed the Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act in 1970, banning the advertising of cigarettes and tobacco products on television and radio. The bill, signed into law by President Richard Nixon on April 1, 1970, was the product of over five years of efforts to curb the public health crisis posed by smoking as well as a continual power struggle between an executive agency, the Federal Communications Commission [FCC], and Congress over which branch had the authority to impose such a ban on cigarette advertising.

​In 1964, U.S. Surgeon General Luther Terry published Smoking and Health, formally acknowledging research conducted over the past decade proving a correlation between smoking and lung cancer as well as other respiratory diseases. The report prompted the FCC to announce in the summer of 1964 that it would require tobacco companies to display a warning of the consequences of smoking on its products and eventually in its advertising. Following a massive lobbying effort from the tobacco industry, Congress took up the issue in an effort to impose its authority.
Picture
Cover of Surgeon General Terry's 1964 report on the health effects of smoking. (U.S. Public Health Service, Wikimedia Commons).

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Clearing a Path to Protect the New River Gorge

7/19/2017

 
By Jody Brumage

​The New River is one of West Virginia’s most widely-known natural landmarks, thanks to its status as a National River and its iconic bridge, the third longest single-span arch in the world. One of the oldest rivers in the world, the New River flows from North Carolina northwest into Virginia and West Virginia where is eventually becomes the Kanawha. When Congress passed legislation to bring the New River under federal protection in 1978, Senator Byrd wrote to President Carter, saying that a “national river designation would make West Virginia the home of a fine new national recreation area. Visitors from other states would be welcomed to share with us the excitement and pleasures of one of America’s oldest natural wonders – The New River Gorge.”
Picture
A view of the New River Gorge from a brochure advertising public meetings on the proposed national scenic river in 1975.

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Remembering our History in Celebration of Independence Day

7/4/2017

 
Throughout his career, Senator Byrd urged his constituents and all Americans to learn about the history of the United States. Believing that an informed electorate was essential to the continuance of representative democracy, Senator Byrd encouraged programs such as "Teaching American History" and Constitution Day which provided funding and annual observances on which to reflect on the evolution of our country. Senator Byrd also wrote extensively on the history of the United States, both in his published books and in his weekly newspaper column.
​ 
Beginning in his first term in the United States Senate, Senator Byrd wrote a weekly column entitled Byrd's-Eye View. Printed in newspapers across West Virginia, the column became one of the most direct methods of communicating between Senator Byrd and his constituents. While many of the columns offer his perspective on significant legislative efforts or updates on projects around the state, Senator Byrd occasionally used the column to speak on a broader level. As our national celebrates the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, we are sharing some of those Byrd's-Eye View columns in which Senator Byrd reflected on the legacy this momentous occasion.
Picture
Senator Byrd delivers a speech at Independence Hall in Philadelphia in July 1987 during the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution. On the rostrum behind him are (left to right) Senate Minority Leader Robert Dole, Congresswoman Lindy Boggs, Speaker of the House Jim Wright, and House Majority Whip Tony Coelho.

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    Welcome to the Byrd Center Blog! We share content here including research from our archival collections, articles from our director, and information on upcoming events. 

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Shepherd University
Shepherdstown, WV 25443
(304) 876 - 5701

Our Mission:

The Byrd Center advances representative democracy by promoting a better understanding of the United States Congress and the Constitution through programs and research that engage citizens.
Copyright © Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education
  • Home
  • About
    • Latest News
    • Leadership
    • Our Partners
    • Careers
    • Parking and Directions
    • News Archives
  • Education
    • Educational Resources
    • Internship Program
    • People Powered
  • Research
    • Congressional Collections >
      • Robert C. Byrd Congressional Papers
      • Harley O. Staggers, Sr. Congressional Papers
      • Harley O. Staggers, Jr. Congressional Papers
      • Scot Faulkner CAO Papers
    • Digital Collections
    • Byrd's-Eye View
    • Plan a Visit to the Archives
    • Collecting Policy
    • Oral History Project
    • Share Your Story!
    • Blog
  • Events
    • Constitution Day
    • Past Events >
      • Kate Masur 10/8
      • Nancy Spannaus 11/20
      • Tom Barkin 10/24
      • Constitution Day 2024 9/18
      • Mountain Music at the Mill 8/24
      • The Fiddlin' Bobby Byrd, Mountain Musician with Adam Booth 5/9
      • Beto O'Rourke 3/3&4
      • An Evening of WV Stories with Adam Booth 2/22
      • Niagara Movement Film 2/8
      • Voices of the Community Series 2023
      • Summer Fundraiser 2023
      • Constitution Day 2023
      • The Arc of Power
      • Forum on Pollution
      • Formidable - author event
      • Constitution Day 2022
  • Support Us
    • Friends of the Byrd Center
    • Name a Seat
  • Reservations
  • Login
  • WV Civics Coalition