Tobacco Documents Online

. NOU-05-1997 15:42 Statement of Senator John McCain Regarding the Universal Tobacco Settlement Act November 5, 1997 P.05/14 Mr. President, i am pleased today to introduce the Universal Tobacco Settlement Act. This bill is cosponsored by the Commerce Committee Ranking Member Senator Hollings, Senator Gorton and Senator Breaux. Mr. President,,the bill we are introducing today is the legislative version of the Universal Tobacco Settlement agreed upon by the Attorneys General and the tobacco companies. We hope it will serve as the basis of discussion and amendment here in the Senate. I want briefly to discuss what this bill is and is not. It is the basis for hearings, discussion, and amendment. After this bill is introduced, I will ask consent to have it jointly referred to various Committees of jurisdiction for consideration. As the Chairman of the Commerce Committee, I intend to hold extensive hearings on this bill and use it as the vehicle for amendment. First, let me emphasize that this legislation was drafted by Senata Legislative Counsel who was requested to write a bill that would implement and mirror the universal tobacco agreement without any direction or input from Members and without any alteration from the agreement. The substance of the bill is not perfect, complete, comprehensive, or legislation that could ever be signed into law without considerable debate and amendments. None of the cosponsors endorse this bill as being the answer to our nation's problem with tobacco related death and illness." But it can and should serve as a basis to begin negotiations between all concerned parties. The bi-partisan group of Attorneys General and the tobacco companies deserve praise for developing this language. I know it was not easy. But much more needs to be done. The Universal Tobacco Settlement Agreement presents more questions than it answers. That is why we must move the legislative process forward and begin debating substantive language. I had hoped that the Administration would send the Congress legislation in this area. I would have liked for the Congress to begin considering the proposals developed and advocated by the White House. Unfortunately, the White House chose not to take such action. As a result, I have chosen to begin this discussion with Attorneys General agreement. N 0 0• CJt w w A 0 i

• NGIi-05-1957 10:43 There has been one addition to the settlement developed by the Attorneys General. The universal tobacco settlement did not address the issue of tobacco farmers and the communities whose existence and economy depends on the growing of tobacco. To address this concern, a new Title ix has been added to the bi1l. The text of Title IX is the language of S. 1310, legislation introduced by Senator Ford. It is my hope that with the addition of this language to the bill, we can begin the comprehensive debate necessary on this subject. Mr. President, let there be no mistake, the Senate takes its role in this matter very seriously. Millions of lives have been lost and millions more will follow. Every day 3000 young adults and children begin smoking. We cannot and should not allow this to continue. With the introduction of this bill we will begin this debate and I am hopeful that early next year, we can move forward on the floor on this matter.