Kent Conrad: “One of the major issues on comprehensive tobacco legislation is, Will this industry be given special, unprecedented…”

“One of the major issues on comprehensive tobacco legislation is, Will this industry be given special, unprecedented protection-- protection that has never been granted any other industry at any time? That is, special protection against suits by victims of the industry, whether they be individuals or third parties who have had costs imposed on them by the use of tobacco products. Madam President, the bill going through the Commerce Committee at this point is silent on the question of liability--liability for the tobacco industry. Being silent on liability in tobacco legislation is like having a discussion of the Titanic and failing to mention the iceberg. This is central to any discussion that anybody can have about tobacco legislation.”