Jeff Bingaman: “I think that is clearly the case. I think although there have been some far-reaching amendments added to the bill, the…”

“I think that is clearly the case. I think although there have been some far-reaching amendments added to the bill, the central core of the bill remains the same. It remains an effort to deal with the problem of young people beginning to smoke. And, of course, it is a public health issue. That is the reason I believe this legislation is historic, because it goes directly at dealing with the major public health issue that is before this country today and that can be dealt with. So, I think it is extremely important we move ahead. I understand there are particular provisions of the bill and particular provisions of some of the amendments that various Members don't like, but it is almost ironic because you hear people come to the floor and support amendments to the bill and then use the fact that those amendments have been adopted as a reason for claiming that the bill is now so loaded down that we can't support the bill. To my mind, the right course is for us to go ahead and pass the bill, consider remaining amendments, adopt those that have the votes there to adopt, pass the bill in that form, get it to conference, and hopefully the House will do the same. I believe that the same people who are urging me as a Senator to take action on this important public health issue are urging Congressmen from my State to take action on this important public health issue as well.”