[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 31, Number 39 (Monday, October 2, 1995)]
[Pages 1743-1744]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the Bipartisan Commitment to Our Children

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

[[Page 1744]]

with smoking. The stakes are too high not to act.