    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 17 (Monday, May 3, 1999)]
    [Page 763]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Statement on Legislation To Waive the Federal Government's Claim to
    Tobacco Settlement Funds

    April 29, 1999

        I am disappointed that so few States are devoting tobacco settlement
    funds to reducing youth smoking, as shown by the new report from the
    Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids and the American Heart Association. This
    new report underscores why I strongly oppose any legislation waiving the
    Federal Government's claim to tobacco settlement funds without a
    commitment from the States to fund youth tobacco prevention efforts. In
    the absence of such a commitment, States won't have to spend a single
    penny of the $246 billion tobacco settlement to reduce youth smoking. We
    must act now: every day, 3,000 children become regular smokers and 1,000
    will have their lives cut short as a result.