[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 3 (Monday, January 19, 1998)]
[Pages 71-72]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks on Departure for New York City and an Exchange With Reporters

January 15, 1998

Tobacco Marketing to Youth

    The President. Before I leave for New York, I want to say a few 
words about the disturbing news that a major tobacco company appears to 
have targeted children to encourage them to begin smoking. For 5 years, 
we've done everything in our power to protect our children from the 
dangers of tobacco. I've called for strong bipartisan legislation to 
reduce smoking, especially by young people. The documents that came to 
light today show more than ever why it is absolutely imperative that 
Congress take action now to get tobacco companies out of the business of 
marketing cigarettes to children. Reducing teen smoking has always been 
America's bottom line, and that's this administration's bottom line; 
now, it should become the industry's bottom line.
    I'm confident that every Member of Congress, without regard to 
party, who reviews these documents will resolve to make 1998 the year 
that we actually pass comprehensive legislation to protect our children 
and the public health.
    Thank you.

Secretary of Labor Alexis M. Herman

    Q. Mr. President, did Alexis Herman take money to peddle influence 
in your administration?
    The President. I don't believe that for a minute.

Situation in Iraq

    Q. What are you doing about Iraq to put teeth into the statement?
    The President. On Iraq, let me say that Mr. Butler is going back to 
Iraq with the strong support of the United Nations. I am very encouraged 
that even those who had been more sympathetic to Iraq saw through

[[Page 72]]

this totally unacceptable action. So now we have to see what happens. He 
ought to be given access. He's going back there; he's got the support of 
the U.N. We're going to watch this a day at a time and see what happens.
    Thank you.

Note: The President spoke at 12:20 p.m. on the South Lawn at the White 
House.