Orrin Hatch: “I understand well the procedural objections of the distinguished Senator from New Mexico to this amendment. He argues…”

“I understand well the procedural objections of the distinguished Senator from New Mexico to this amendment. He argues that there is no way to be absolutely certain that the Finance Committee will levy a tobacco tax. In a narrow legal sense that is certainly true. Well, to that assertion I simply respond that this is not some hinky-dinky little technical amendment. Everybody here knows what is involved here. We are having one of the most important debates in this Congress. It may be the most important debate that occurs during this session of Congress. We are debating in public. We all know what the stakes are. It is our children versus Joe Camel, nobody doubts that, nobody has any problem with that. In fact, even in the purpose clause of the amendment, it says financed by an increase in the tobacco tax. So it is there. Make no mistake about it, the question is clear today. History can be made today if our amendment is agreed to. The Finance Committee would have no practical other choice but to pass the cigarette tax to finance this. Of course, there is no legal requirement to bind their actions but sometimes political and moral forces cannot be resisted by mere legal technicalities. If we prevail today, there is no political way to turn back. That is why so many people are so nervous today. This vote may be the most important vote we cast this year for the future of our children. Let us face it. The people out there are watching.…”