WASHINGTON  – President Barack Obama has signed the strongest anti-smoking measure ever, calling it an extraordinary accomplishment that will help keep children from getting hooked on cigarettes.

Standing in the Rose Garden with a number of lawmakers and other guests, Obama declared: “It is a law that will save American lives.”

The legislation gives the Food and Drug Administration unprecedented authority to regulate tobacco and cigarette marketing.

Obama himself has struggled to quit smoking. He acknowledged in his comments how difficult it can be to quit the habit.

The White House embraced the law with a sun-splashed ceremony, and the dozens of invited guests included children from the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids who were personally introduced by Obama.