[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
[April 26, 1999]
[Page 636]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on the Supreme Court's Decision To Consider the Food and Drug 
Administration's Regulation of Tobacco Products
April 26, 1999

    I am very pleased that the Supreme Court has agreed to take up the 
case regarding the Food and Drug Administration's regulation of tobacco 
products. Almost 3 years ago, the FDA put in place a regulation to 
protect our children from tobacco, which the tobacco companies 
challenged in court. Every day 3,000 young people become regular 
smokers, and 1,000 will have their lives cut short as a result. I remain 
firmly committed to the FDA rule, which will help stop young people from 
smoking before they start by eliminating advertising aimed at children 
and curbing minors' access to tobacco products.