Kent Conrad: “obviously, there is more to the program than those elements, because we have to remember how this all started. It…”

“obviously, there is more to the program than those elements, because we have to remember how this all started. It started with the States bringing legal actions against the tobacco industry. They are the ones that had the initial settlement with the tobacco industry. So, obviously, the States have to be compensated for the legal actions that they have pending. In addition, the Federal Government has potential actions against the tobacco industry, because Federal taxpayers are paying for Medicare and Medicaid and veterans' health programs, all of them that have had costs imposed on them because of the use of tobacco products. Mr. President, it was those concerns that led this Congress to take action. It was those concerns that led the Commerce Committee to consider the legislation sponsored by Senator McCain, and they reported out a bill on a 19-to-1 vote, an overwhelming vote. In the Senate, we have considered a series of amendments that have somewhat altered the work that they did in the Commerce Committee.”