    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [March 16, 1998]
    [Page 383]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Proposed Tobacco Legislation
    March 16, 1998

        I congratulate the public health and tobacco producer communities
    for working together to promote bipartisan, comprehensive tobacco
    legislation that dramatically reduces youth smoking and protects
    American farmers and their communities. I am firmly committed to
    protecting farmers and their communities and have made this commitment
    one of the five key elements that I will insist upon before signing
    tobacco legislation. I hope you will continue your efforts to expand
    your coalition and to enact comprehensive tobacco legislation this year
    that protects our Nation's children.