[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 12 (Monday, March 23, 1998)]
[Page 446]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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.