Kay Bailey Hutchison: “I believe the Senate should act on legislation to address the problem of teen tobacco addiction, but am troubled by the…”

“I believe the Senate should act on legislation to address the problem of teen tobacco addiction, but am troubled by the tax and spend aspects of the legislation as it now stands. I support an approach that is closer to the agreement reached by the states attorneys-general a year ago this week. That agreement combined tough restrictions on advertising and a commitment by the states to address teen tobacco use. I have worked with Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah and other Senators to co-sponsor legislation codifying the attorneys-general agreement. Our legislation is a responsible and credible effort to achieve the goal we all share: ending smoking by underage youth. If we cut off debate on the McCain tobacco legislation, the rules of the Senate would prevent debate on the Hatch bill or any other responsible alternative. I cannot support that. Therefore, I will vote against cloture. We will have other opportunities during the 105th Congress to consider alternatives to the McCain bill. I intend to work hard to pass legislation that includes voluntary restrictions on industry advertising to young people and a substantial commitment to smoking cessation programs for minors.”