David Thomas: “I am hopeful that today we will come to some conclusion and come to an end in the tobacco controversy that has gone on…”

“I am hopeful that today we will come to some conclusion and come to an end in the tobacco controversy that has gone on for a very long time now. I think there are several things which seem to have a consensus. One is that we should make effective efforts to reduce teenage smoking. After all, that was the beginning. That was the purpose. That, to me, is still the overriding objective of whatever we do in terms of tobacco. I think there is a consensus that the tobacco companies should be held accountable for the kinds of advertising that they do, for the things they say. The FDA rules should accomplish that. I think that most people believe we should enforce the laws against the purchase of cigarettes by teenagers. I think there is also consensus, quite frankly, that we have talked quite long enough about this issue. It is time to come to the snubbing post, and do something about it. I hope we do. I am discouraged, frankly, with the direction that this bill is moving.”