Nick Lampson: “if we respect the way tobacco products are marketed in this Nation because we are concerned about the documented health…”

“if we respect the way tobacco products are marketed in this Nation because we are concerned about the documented health risks, how can we in good conscience use taxpayer funds to help tobacco companies market their products overseas in nations where no restrictions are placed on their tactics which overwhelmingly target children? It is indefensible. As this Nation works to finalize a settlement that will force tobacco companies to reimburse States and individuals for the illnesses caused by many of their products, we must not be aiding the efforts to export those illnesses overseas. In fact, a New York Times editorial recently pointed out American tobacco companies have agreed to proposed domestic settlement in part because it does not touch them overseas where profits are soaring and they can boldly target teenagers without fear of lawsuit or powerful critics. In this Nation nearly 30 years of antismoking efforts, because of it and despite it, American children still recognize Joe Camel as much as they recognize Mickey Mouse. In Hong Kong, empty packs of American cigarettes can be redeemed for tickets to movies and discos and concerts. In the mid-1980's our own U.S. Trade Representative demanded and won the right for American tobacco companies to advertise in Korea and Taiwan. No wonder tobacco consumption is growing at the fastest rate in the world in Asia.”