    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 25 (Monday, June 26, 2000)]
    [Page 1417]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Statement on House of Representatives Action on Tobacco Legislation

    June 20, 2000

        I am very pleased that the House of Representatives reversed its
    position in favor of tobacco companies and today passed an amendment to
    advance public health by siding with American veterans and taxpayers.
        The House decision today to reconsider its support of tobacco
    companies clears the path for the Veterans Administration to help
    support tobacco litigation, which could mean billions of dollars to
    improve veterans medical care. I applaud the perseverance of a
    bipartisan group, led by Representative Henry Waxman, Representative
    Lane Evans, Representative Jim Hansen, Representative Martin Meehan,
    Representative Debbie Stabenow, Representative David Obey, and
    Representative Lloyd Doggett, whose efforts in past days have resulted
    in this significant victory.
        In the coming days and weeks, there will be other attempts by
    Congress to block the Federal Government's tobacco litigation with
    riders supported by tobacco companies. This bipartisan victory should be
    a model for Congress. The legal responsibility of the tobacco companies
    should be decided in the courts by the judicial process. I call upon
    Congress to reject the interests of big tobacco and permit justice to
    run its course.