Editorial: No smoking in this House

Saturday, Jan. 13, 2007 | 7:12 a.m.

A s most of the country knows by now, new House Speaker Nancy Pelosi projects herself as a reformer, one who is determined to reverse the image of Washington as a place where self-interest rules and business is conducted over free lunches or while riding free on planes heading for resort locations.

So judging by her words alone, there was nothing surprising about a strong statement she made on Wednesday, five days into her new role as the most powerful member of Congress.

"The days of smoke-filled rooms in the United States Capitol are over," she said.

Only this time, instead of making a figurative statement about ethics, she was speaking literally. With her words, Pelosi joined the millions of people around the world - including the 310,425 Nevadans who voted for Question 5 in November - who support smoking bans.

Immediately affected by her edict was the Speaker's Lobby, where lawmakers gather during breaks in voting. The room had always been notorious for the amount of smoke it contained.

Pelosi gave the reason for the new rule. "Medical science has unquestionably established the dangerous effects of secondhand smoke, including an increased risk of cancer and respiratory diseases," she said. "I am a firm believer that Congress should lead by example."

Such examples are having quite the effect. From Australia to Wales, from Maine to California, laws restricting public smoking are being enacted. And speaking of Maine and Wales ...

The Bangor City Council recently passed a law prohibiting smoking by adults in their own cars when children are passengers. And in Gwynedd County, Wales, acting upon the complaint of a neighbor who said cigarette smoke was "permeating into her living room," authorities are investigating the smoking habits of a couple in their own home.

While some smoking bans are getting extreme, we appreciate Pelosi's. Washington needs a breath of fresh air.