Scarcnet News Summaries (Advocacy Institute)
Legislators Respond To Tobacco Industry's Rejection Of Tobacco Legislation
Length: pages
Abstract
In the wake of tobacco companies' decision to fight tobacco legislation, legislators' responses were generally unfavorable to the industry. Both Democrats and Republicans legislators yesterday said they believed the industry's move would strengthen support for comprehensive tobacco legislation. Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) called the industry's action a "silly decision" that would "instill greater anger in the Congress and in the American people." House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA) commented, "I don't think any serious person is going to take the tobacco claim seriously about anything for a long, long time."Asked how much influence the tobacco lobby has on Capitol Hill, Gingrich answered, "Zero."
Sources: Alison Mitchell, "For Tobacco, A Big Gamble," NEW YORK TIMES, April 10, 1998, p. A1; Jeffrey Taylor, "Clinton, In Tobacco Territory, Chastises Cigarette Firms For Resisting Legislation," WALL STREET JOURNAL, April 10, 1998, p. A12; Suein Hwang, "Tobacco Firms To Attack McCain Plan," WALL STREET JOURNAL, April 10, 1998, p. A3.