    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book II)]
    [September 29, 1995]
    [Page 1522]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Congressional Support for Administration Efforts To Reduce
    Juvenile Tobacco Use
    September 29, 1995

        All Americans agree that we must protect the lives and future health
    of our children. The bipartisan ``Commitment to Our Children''--in
    support of this administration's efforts to reduce children's smoking or
    use of smokeless tobacco products--shows just how deep that sentiment
    runs through our country. The Representatives and Senators who stood up
    today for our children deserve the Nation's thanks. These Democrats and
    Republicans showed that this is not about partisan politics; it is about
    doing the right thing for our children and families. Public health
    leaders, children and family advocates, and elected State and local
    officials from across the Nation have also pledged to support our
    efforts.
        Each day, 3,000 young people become regular smokers. Nearly 1,000 of
    them will die early from smoking-related diseases. We must reduce
    children's access to tobacco products and limit the advertising and
    promotions that tell our children it is cool or glamorous to smoke but
    do not tell them about the disease and death that also come with
    smoking. The stakes are too high not to act.