Bill Clinton: “Good afternoon. Last January, in my State of the Union Address, I announced that the Justice Department was preparing a…”

“Good afternoon. Last January, in my State of the Union Address, I announced that the Justice Department was preparing a litigation plan to recover the costs of smoking-related illnesses. Over the years, smoking-related illnesses have cost taxpayers billions of dollars through Medicare, veterans' health, and other Federal health programs. Today the Justice Department declared that the United States is, in fact, filing suit against the major tobacco companies to recover the cost borne by taxpayers. I believe it's the right thing to do. The tobacco companies should answer to the taxpayers for their actions. The taxpayers of our country should have their day in court. Thank you very much.”