September 24, 1996 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S11197 TRIBUTE TO DIANA LEWIS one leg missing or two legs missing and And then there’s . Indonesia is in ∑ Mr. WARNER. Mr, President, I rise know that this has been caused, in the midst of a crude crackdown on political dissent that is the antithesis of values Amer- today to extend my warmest congratu- part, by land mines built in the , or financed by the United ica wants to promote. Should Indonesia get lations to Diana Lewis of Charlottes- the F–16s it wants? Certainly not. ville, VA, on her selection as the 1996 States, I am troubled. Although Clinton pledged a values-driven Private Sector Employee of the Year Again and again, we are in a situa- foreign policy, a Presidential Decision Direc- by the General Council of Industries tion where we find American weapons tive he signed last year pushes arms sales for the Blind and the National Indus- used against our troops. That should abroad to ‘‘enhance the ability of the U.S. tries for the Blind. She will be honored teach us something, but it doesn’t defense industrial base, to meet U.S. defense at their Annual Training Conference on seem to. requirements and to maintain long-term military technological superiority at lower October 8, 1996. This is one editorial that every Mem- ber of the Senate and every staff mem- costs.’’ Ms. Lewis was born with congenital That, in the words of William Hartung, a cataracts. She underwent several eye ber should read. I ask that the editorial be printed in senior fellow of the World Policy Institute at operations as a young child, which de- the New School for Social Research, is noth- layed her entry into school. However, the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. ing but welfare for big arms manufacturers The editorial follows: her desire to succeed did not waiver. and weapons dealers. She attended Romney School for the [From the Chicago Tribune] In order to help American firms get to a Blind in West Virginia but left school SHUT DOWN THE U.S. ARMS BAZAAR bigger share of the world arms market, the U.S. government spent $7.6 billion—in 1995 early to marry, become a homemaker, President Clinton spoke eloquently and probably expressed the view of most citizens alone—in subsidies, grants, guaranteed loans and eventually became the mother of when, accepting the Democratic Party’s and cash payments, and in the use of govern- two sons. nomination in Chicago last month, he ment personnel to promote products and Ten years ago, Ms. Lewis moved to pledged that U.S. foreign policy would be one overseas air shows, Hartung says. the Commonwealth and soon faced the that ‘‘advances the values of our American The argument that these arms sales abroad challenge of finding her first job. As a community in the community of nations.’’ protect jobs at home is no longer necessarily single parent with two young sons, Ms. Here’s a place to start, Mr. President: End true, since many new purchasers now de- Lewis turned to the Virginia Industries the outdated and outrageously dangerous mand, as part of the contract, the right to for the Blind [VIB], a division of the policy of encouraging sales of American produce these expensive weapons on their weapons abroad, particularly to countries in turf. Thus, Hartung says, the biggest produc- Virginia Department for the Visually the developing world, unless there is a com- tion line for the F–16 is no longer in the U.S. Handicapped [VDVH], for employment pelling U.S. security interest to be defended. but in Turkey. and training opportunities. She quick- What American value is represented by the Even more sinister is the concept of ly demonstrated her desire to succeed fact that the U.S. remains the largest ex- ‘‘blowback.’’ by mastering many sewing operations, porter of weapons in a post-Cold War world During the Cold War, a powerful argument becoming an accomplished seamstress. in which there is no monolithic enemy to be for arms sales abroad was to allow the During her employment at the Vir- contained? United States leverage over foreign powers ginia Industries for the Blind, Ms. Although made the news in recent and to give us inside knowledge about an- days by outstripping the U.S. in sales of Lewis earned her general education di- other power’s arsenal—to ‘‘know what we’re arms to Third World governments in 1995, a up against.’’ Today, all bets are off, and what ploma [GED] and continued her edu- careful reading of the report showed that American troops have come up against is the cation to become a certified nursing this was an artifact of one transaction: a $6 finest American weapons wielded by opposi- assistant. She joined Westminster Can- billion sale of fighter jets to . tion troops—in Panama, in Iran, in Iraq, in terbury of the Blue Ridge in Char- Otherwise, however, Uncle Sam is boss of Haiti, in Somalia and, to a smaller extent, in lottesville a year ago, and is currently the arms bazaar, with contracts for about Bosnia. employed as a certified nursing assist- half of all arms sales worldwide. Year in and America cannot control its weapons once year out, America sells more weapons to the sold. Allies whose national security interests ant in the skilled care unit. As a nurs- Third World than any other country. ing assistant, Ms. Lewis tends to elder- coincide with ours deserve our trust and Certainly these developing lands could put have earned the right to purchase American- ly residents who require constant care. their scarce financial resources to better use, made weapons. Ms. Lewis hopes to one day become a namely to build or improve schools, hos- But weapons sales motivated solely by a physical therapist. pitals, sanitation and transportation sys- market opportunity merely fuel conflict— Ms. Lewis’ drive and dedication to tems. conflict that may require America to step in overcome adversity makes her an ex- Aha, you say! If the U.S. stops selling these later with its diplomatic and military mus- arms abroad, someone else—Russia, France, ample for all of us. I am pleased to join cle. Italy, , Britain, the , There is no profit in that.∑ Ms. Lewis and her family and friends in even—will rush in and snatch up the lucra- wishing her much success in all of her tive contracts. f future endeavors. Ms. Lewis is an out- So what? Of the 50 armed conflicts in this AD-HOC HEARING ON TOBACCO standing representative of the blind decade—mostly vile ethnic, religious or trib- ∑ community in Virginia, and I ask you al rivalries, guerrilla uprisings and petty ter- Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, to please join me in congratulating her ritorial disputes—45 were fought with weap- on September 11th, I co-chaired with ons stamped ‘‘Made in the USA.’’ as the 1996 Private Sector Employee of Senator KENNEDY an ad-hoc hearing on Should weapons sales be our ambassador of the problem of teen smoking. We were the Year.∑ democracy? Is increasing the efficiency of joined by Senators HARKIN, f armed combatants, without regard to vital U.S. interests, a value we choose to rep- WELLSTONE, BINGAMAN and SIMON. Re- SHUT DOWN THE U.S. ARMS resent America abroad? grettably, we were forced to hold an BAZAAR Even espousing a traditional sense of na- ad-hoc hearing on this pressing public ∑ Mr. SIMON. Mr. President, one of the tional security, the U.S. can dominate the health issue because the Republican finest editorials I have read in recent international arms market, according to leadership refused to hold a regular months appeared in the Chicago Trib- Sarah Walkling, a senior analyst with the hearing, despite our many pleas. Arms Control Association. That’s because une, titled ‘‘Shut Down the U.S. Arms We held this hearing to listen to real NATO, the western military alliance that is people tell us about the addictiveness Bazaar.’’ the backbone of American national security It is contrary to the security of the and includes this nation’s dearest allies, is of nicotine and their support for the interest of the United States that we the largest market for U.S. arms, consuming President Clinton’s FDA proposal to are the No. 1 arms merchant in the 43 percent of American weapons sales abroad cut teen smoking in half. Unlike one of world. Not only are we the No. 1 arms at a cost of $3.9 billion. NATO will continue the other Presidential candidates, we merchant, but we subsidize what ulti- to be the biggest client for American weap- know that nicotine is addictive. And mately can prove harmful to our secu- ons, which is a fine thing for all concerned. we know that the FDA should regulate But now Chile wants U.S. F–16 jet-fighters. it and protect our children. rity. With no international threat to the region, And it is not only a threat to our se- to what purpose would those top-of-the-line We also made it clear that we will re- curity. attack craft be put? Only to act upon terri- ject half hearted compromise legisla- When I visit a place like Angola and torial ambitions and border disputes and to tive proposals which do not protect our see so many children going about with spark a wasteful hemispheric arms race. children from the tobacco companies.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:05 Jun 22, 2008 Jkt 041999 PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 J:\ODA16\1996_F~1\S24SE6.REC S24SE6 mmaher on MIKETEMP with SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS S11198 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 24, 1996 Essentially, we will oppose any com- scientist for Philip Morris for over 10 We will oppose any compromise legislation promise legislation that does protect years. He told us how well informed the that does protect FDA’s ability to safeguard FDA’s ability to safeguard our kids or tobacco industry has been regarding our kids or the public health. Our first pri- the public health. Our first priority in the health effects and addictive quality ority in any settlement should be to save our children from future nicotine addiction. any legislative settlement should be to of tobacco. He said that the major to- President Clinton deserves credit for being save our children from future nicotine bacco companies could have used this the first President in recent history to take addiction. information to develop a safer product, on the tobacco companies. He has an excel- Mr. President, President Clinton de- but they chose not to do so. lent record of protecting our children. serves credit for being the first Presi- We also heard from Morton Downey, On the other side of Pennsylvania avenue, dent in recent history to take on the Jr., the former talk-show host whose however, this Congress’ record on tobacco tobacco companies. He has an excellent symbol was the smoking cigarette and children is shameful. On January 3, 1995, a new Republican ma- record of protecting our children. butt. As he has contracted lung cancer, However, this Congress’ record on to- jority took over Congress. They publicly he now asks forgiveness from the pushed their Contract with America. But pri- bacco and children is shameful. young people he may have influenced vately, they pursued another contract—a On January 3, 1995, a new Republican to smoke. contract of silence with the tobacco compa- majority took over Congress. They Alan Landers, a former Winston nies. publicly pushed their Contract with model, told us of the pain caused by Since the Republicans took over Congress, America. But privately, they pursued two lung operations. He gave riveting 660,488 people have died from smoking and another contract—a contract of silence 1,764,000 children began smoking. testimony on the addictiveness of to- What has been this Congress’ response to with the tobacco companies. bacco. He told us that he was smoking Since the Republicans took over Con- this public health epidemic? Pure silence! the night before he was to have lung In one fell swoop—gone were the House gress, more than 660,000 people have surgery because he could not quit. He hearings where the CEOs swore under oath died from smoking and over 1.7 million now tours high schools warning chil- that nicotine was not addictive. And gone of our children have begun smoking. dren of the dangers of smoking. were the Senate hearings on the dangers of What has been this Congress’ re- Janet Sackman, another former ciga- secondhand smoke and the health care bene- sponse to this public health epidemic? rette model, bravely testified how fits of increasing the tobacco tax. It took President Clinton’s bold FDA pol- Pure silence. when she was 17, she was told by an In one fell swoop—gone were the icy to break the silence. And we are here to agent that if she wanted the look to House hearings where the CEO’s swore make more noise—to stop our children from get ahead in the business, she should under oath that nicotine was not ad- ever becoming hooked. We are here to fight start smoking. She developed cancer of dictive. And gone were the Senate the biggest cause of preventable death in the larynx and now struggles to speak. America—tobacco use. Because like AIDS, hearings on the dangers of secondhand Mr. President, these people are a tes- silence equals death when it comes to to- smoke and the health care benefits of tament to the tragedy of tobacco ad- bacco. increasing the tobacco tax. diction in this country. And they all Today, we will hear from people who know It took President Clinton’s bold FDA firsthand about the dangers of smoking. We have two things in common. They policy to break the silence. And we will hear from a 12 year old child who is ad- need to make more noise—to stop our started smoking before they were 18 dicted to cigarettes and his DARE officer. children from ever becoming hooked. and they all have cancer. These exam- We will hear from a former Philip Morris re- We need to fight the biggest cause of ples demonstrate why the President’s search scientist who will tell us that the to- preventable death in America—tobacco proposal to protect our children is so bacco industry knew full well that nicotine was addictive and manipulated it to hook use. Because like AIDS, silence equals crucial. Mr. President, after I complete my smokers. We will hear form Minnesota At- death when it comes to tobacco. torney General ‘‘Skip’’ Humphrey who is At the hearing, we heard from sev- statement, I am going to ask that the statements of the participating in ad- taking on the tobacco industry in court on eral witnesses who have first-hand behalf of our children. knowledge of the dangers of tobacco hoc hearing be placed in the record. Before we proceed, I wanted to let the par- addiction. We heard from Justin Hoo- Over the next 3 days I will insert the ticipants know that there will not be an offi- ver, a 12-year-old boy from West Des testimony of the witnesses from each cial hearing transcript for this proceeding Moines, IA who told us how he smoked of the three panels. I hope that all of but I will insert all written statements into his first cigarette at the age of 6, and my colleagues, from both chambers and the Congressional record so your stories will become part of the official record of the Sen- was addicted to tobacco when he was 9. both sides of the aisle will read these compelling statements. Regrettably, ate. I hope my colleagues from both sides of He told us how easy it was for him to the aisle and both chambers, will read your obtain cigarettes, often by stealing this will be the only hearing record on testimony and work with us to save our chil- them. He told us how difficult it has tobacco issues this Congress, despite dren. been for him to try and break his ad- the constant revelations in the press diction, despite the best efforts of his about industry documents outlining STATEMENT OF SENATOR EDWARD M. KENNEDY mother, teachers, and his DARE offi- the dangers of smoking. Twenty-nine years ago today, on Sep- cer, Jody Hayes, who accompanied Jus- I only hope that the next Congress’ tember 11, 1967, my brother, Senator Robert tin at the hearing. record on protecting our children is not Kennedy addressed the World Conference on Officer Hayes said that the level of as shameful. Smoking and Health. Representatives of thirty-four nations had gathered in New smoking among teens is the worst that Mr. President, I ask that the state- ments of the Senators attending this York to talk about ways to stop mounting he has seen. He also told us that to- death rates from cigarette smoking. bacco is clearly a gateway drug that ad-hoc hearing be printed in the He spoke to his audience about the dif- can lead to marijuana and cocaine use. RECORD. ficulty of convincing people—young persons, He strongly admonished us that ‘‘we The statements follow: in particular—that smoking can kill them. have to stop drug use where it starts, STATEMENT BY SENATOR FRANK R. He emphasized grim statistics of premature LAUTENBERG and that is with tobacco.’’ death and illness caused by smoking. He said We also heard from Minnesota Attor- First, I would like to thank Senator Ken- that cigarettes would have been banned nedy for co-chairing this hearing with me years ago—were it not for the economic ney General ‘‘Skip’’ Humphrey who and all of the other Senators who are partici- power of the tobacco industry. told us of his concerns of proposed Fed- pating. I would also like to welcome and Limiting cigarette advertising was at the eral legislation to resolve all litigation thank all of the witnesses for being here at top of his list of strategies to discourage and regulation affecting the tobacco today’s ad-hoc hearing on teen smoking. young men and women from beginning to industry. He noted that it is essential We are here to show our support for the smoke. At that time, the industry was spend- that tobacco ‘‘like every other product FDA proposal to cut teen smoking in half. ing $300 million a year to attract new smok- Americans eat, drink or ingest, be Unlike one of the Presidential candidates, we ers. Since then, the amount the industry placed under the on-going jurisdiction know that nicotine is addictive. And we know that the FDA should regulate it and spends on advertising has soared to $6 billion of an appropriate Federal agency, such protect our children. a year. Much of this advertising is targeted as the FDA.’’ Today, we are also here to say that we will at youth, with images that promise popu- We listened to the testimony of Dr. reject half hearted compromise legislative larity and success for those who smoke. Chil- Ian Uydess, who worked as a research proposals that do not protect our children. dren are particularly vulnerable to this sort

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:05 Jun 22, 2008 Jkt 041999 PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 J:\ODA16\1996_F~1\S24SE6.REC S24SE6 mmaher on MIKETEMP with SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS September 24, 1996 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S11199 of advertising. The Joe Camel campaign was There is a difference. Milk builds. Tobacco agers start smoking and 1,000 of them will cynically targeted directly at youth. Profits destroys. Chicken soup heals. Tobacco kills. die from tobacco related illness. In New Mex- rolled in, and Camel’s market share among The only message that our children should ico, nearly one-third of the state’s teenagers youth soared from 0.5% to 32.8%. hear about tobacco is the truth. Smoking is smoke. According to the Centers for Disease The industry targets youth because it a killer. Smoking is addictive. Smoking Control and Prevention, New has a knows that almost all smokers begin before stinks. It’s a deadly habit that will make teenage smoking rate of 32.6 percent—only they reach the age of 18. If you make it to 18 kids less attractive and less fit. That mes- eight other states have higher rates. It is dif- without smoking, it’s very unlikely you’ll sage needs to come through loud and clear so ficult to prevent children from buying ciga- ever smoke. The average smoker begins at children like Justin are never tempted in the rettes when they are readily accessible from 13—and becomes a daily smoker by 14 and a first place. vending machines. If we expect states, local- half. That message needs to start at home. Par- ities, schools, parents, and even the tobacco For over 30 years, using its relentless polit- ents need to let their children know about industry itself to help protect our children ical power, the tobacco industry has man- the dangers of tobacco. But the message from tobacco, then we in the federal govern- aged to avoid needed federal regulation of shouldn’t end in the home. All of us can be ment should lead the effort. their product. it has been said that tobacco partners with families in the fight against It is time for a new course of action. I am is the least regulated of any legal product. tobacco. very pleased that President Clinton is ex- Now, at last, President Clinton has had the We need to make much more difficult for panding the Federal role in fighting teen courage to insist on real steps to reduce children to get their hands on tobacco in the smoking. This initiative to reduce tobacco youth access to tobacco and tobacco adver- first place. use by children recognizes the responsibility tising aimed at youth. His goal is to cut teen Kids shouldn’t be able to walk into a con- that the federal government should take to smoking in half over the next seven years. venience store and purchase cigarettes . . . protect our children from tobacco use. President Clinton’s proposal comes at a or buy them out of a vending machine . . . or Finally, 10 years ago as a senior member of crucial time for America’s youth. Not only even be tempted to steal cigarettes left in the Armed Services Committee, I first intro- has smoking been rising steadily among ado- the open in self-service displays. duced legislation aimed at discouraging to- lescents since 1992, but drug use, especially President Clinton has put forth a respon- bacco use in the military by raising the use of marijuana, is also rising among this sible plan. The President’s plan is the right prices of tobacco products in military com- same group. thing to do. It will help families keep to- missaries to local prevailing prices. Ciga- Clearly, tobacco is a gateway drug. If we bacco out of the hands of their children. And rettes are much cheaper in commissaries and reduce tobacco use, we will reduce other I strongly support it. exchanges than they are in the civilian mar- drug use too. According to a 1994 report by But I believe we can do more to protect ket. In August this year, the Department of the National Center on Addiction and Sub- kids from tobacco and strengthen families. Defense (DoD) ordered the sale of tobacco stance Abuse at Columbia University, chil- That’s why I have introduced common sense products found in commissaries and ex- dren who smoke cigarettes are 12 times more legislation to eliminate the tax deductibility changes to be sold at local prevailing prices. likely to use marijuana and 19 times more of tobacco advertising. Today, American tax- I am pleased to see that the DoD now agrees likely to use cocaine. payers are forced to cough up nearly $2 bil- that we need to stop sending mixed signals Our hearing today is intended to deal with lion a year to subsidize the tobacco industry. to military personnel about the importance these important issues. It speaks volumes That’s not right and we ought to stop it. of healthy lifestyles while at the same time that the Republican Congress is unwilling to Again, I want to welcome Justin Hoover deeply discounting tobacco products in mili- hold a hearing like this. But we hope they and Jody Hayes. Justin is 12 years old and is tary stores. will pay attention to the facts we will hear. from West Des Moines Iowa. He smoked his I commend my colleagues here today for first cigarette when he was 6-years old. keeping this very important issue alive dur- STATEMENT OF SENATOR TOM HARKIN He is going to tell us how and why he ing this Congress and for leading the effort I want to join my colleagues in thanking started smoking, how he has tried to quit, to continue to address the types of laws and all of the witnesses who have given their and how easy it is for him to obtain ciga- policies that will protect our children from time to be with us today, and I want to add rettes. tobacco. a special welcome to our witnesses here from I also want to welcome Officer Jody Hayes STATEMENT OF U.S. REPRESENTATIVE MARTY West Des Moines, Iowa—Justin Hoover and who is a Community Relations Officer for MEEHAN Officer Jody Hayes—who I will be intro- the West Des Moines Police Department. He ducing in just a moment. is a D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Edu- I want to thank Senators Ted Kennedy and All of us are here because we all agree—we cation) officer and works with students from Frank Lautenberg for allowing me to submit need to protect our children from tobacco— pre-school to high school. He is on the front my testimony before this ad hoc committee and we need to do it now. lines in the fight against drug abuse. hearing on tobacco. I appreciate the oppor- For too long, young people have been get- And he has seen first hand how easy it is tunity to participate in this important, if ting an unfiltered message from the tobacco for young children to gain access to tobacco unofficial, event. industry. Smoking is cool. Smoking is harm- and how vulnerable they are to the indus- The new majority, in both the House and less. Smoking will make you look older and try’s message that smoking is cool. Senate chambers, does not believe that the more attractive. Officer Hayes, I want to thank you for not epidemic of youth smoking is an important Today, the tobacco industry pours over $6 only being here today, but for the work you enough issue to merit an official hearing. billion a year into advertising their products do day in and day out to protect our kids and Only through the leadership of Senators and promoting that message. And often they help them stick to the right path. I just Kennedy and Lautenberg is today’s ad hoc are zeroing in on our kids—through maga- can’t understand why some in Congress want hearing possible. I commend them both for zine ads, billboards, sporting events, and, of to cut funds for the D.A.R.E. program and organizing this event. course, the ubiquitous Joe Camel. Nicotine addiction and subsequent tobacco stop people like you from doing the great We know what these tobacco advertising related illnesses are the leading cause of pre- work you do. campaigns are all about. They are delib- ventable death in the United States. Each erately designed to keep people smoking, but year, more than 400,000 smokers prematurely STATEMENT OF SENATOR JEFF BINGAMAN more importantly, to attract a new genera- die due to tobacco related illnesses. The tion to the smoking habit. In fact, according I am pleased to be a part of this Ad-Hoc ranks of smokers, however, are replenished to a study published in the Journal of the hearing on tobacco issues and in particular by our nation’s children. American Medical Association, Joe Camel is the health effects of tobacco use. As many of Tobacco companies have long targeted and just as recognizable to six-year old as Mick- you know, I have been a strong advocate of marketed their wares towards America’s ey Mouse. taking a tough stand on the issue of federal kids. RJ Reynolds’ Joe Camel campaign is But the industry hasn’t stopped with Joe regulation of tobacco products. Since 1989, I only the latest in a string of strategies the Camel. Joe and his competitors have started have been working to require the Food and tobacco industry has employed to entice merchandising ‘‘clubs’’ in which you can Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate the young people. The industry is forced to tar- smoke your way to all sorts of gifts. A 1992 manufacture and sale of tobacco products. I get children because adults, in the face of Gallup survey found that about half of ado- was very proud last year when Congress ap- overwhelming medical and scientific evi- lescents smokers and one quarter of non- proved my legislation banning cigarette dence, are not impressionable enough to smokers owned at least one tobacco industry vending machines in federal buildings on start using a product that, if used as di- promotional item. most federal property, and very pleased ear- rected, will kill them. The motivations of these tobacco compa- lier this year when the General Services Ad- The tobacco industry is committed to nies is clear. They’ll do anything to make a ministration (GSA) ordered the removal of pushing cigarettes and smokeless tobacco buck. But I can’t understand irresponsible the machines. product. In fact, each year the industry statements made by some of our elected offi- For many years, I also have been working spends more than $6 billion on advertising cials regarding tobacco. to ban tobacco vending machines on Federal and marketing in the United States. This Some in Congress have compared tobacco property that are accessible to children. massive advertising is successful for the in- to milk or to chicken soup. What kind of Clearly, something is not working when, dustry. Eighty-six percent of underage smok- message does that send to our kids? every day, more than 3,000 children and teen- ers buy the three most heavily advertised

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:05 Jun 22, 2008 Jkt 041999 PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 J:\ODA16\1996_F~1\S24SE6.REC S24SE6 mmaher on MIKETEMP with SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS S11200 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 24, 1996 brands—Marlboros, Camels and Newports. and the winning team is asked to rep- announcements and are speaking to Moreover, ninety-one percent of six year- resent their state or country at the Od- local organizations and citizen groups olds identify Joe Camel as a symbol of smok- yssey of the Mind World Finals. across the State to raise public aware- ing. Earlier this year, two groups of stu- ness on the lawsuit abuse issue. As a result, 3,000 children a day, convinced through a combination of peer pressure, ad- dents from Bethany, CT, won first While the local groups have thou- vertising and popular culture, start smoking. place in their respective categories at sands of supporters, there are also a 1,000 of these youngsters will ultimately die Connecticut’s Odyssey of the Mind few individuals who should be recog- from tobacco related illnesses. State Finals and traveled to Iowa to nized for their leadership and for dedi- President Clinton has taken a historic represent the State of Connecticut at cating countless volunteer hours. move in directing the Food and Drug Admin- the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals. These individuals are: Tom Harriman istration to enact the first-ever program to Connecticut is very proud of Rosa Al- of Kingwood, founding chairman of protect children from tobacco. The FDA has lison, David Berv, Ian Stebinger, CALA of northern West Virginia; Jim concluded that cigarettes and smokeless to- Amanda Kaletsky, Amanda Sherman Thomas of Charleston and Jack Klim bacco are delivery devices for nicotine, a drug that causes addition and other signifi- and Grace Menzies, who made up a of Huntington, cofounders and spokes- cant pharmacological effects. team that won a gold medal in the Con- persons of CALA of southern West Vir- The FDA’s regulations, which are intended necticut Odyssey of the Mind Competi- ginia; and Ken Lowe of Shepherdstown, to reduce underage tobacco use by fifty per- tion 3 years in a row. I would also like founding chairman of CALA of eastern cent over the next seven years, include long to salute the hard work and dedication West Virginia. overdue restrictions on advertising and mar- of Joshua Gewirtz, Elizabeth Cowan, Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse keting, along with an industry sponsored to- Matt Voloshin, Jane Ballerini, Peter groups have declared September 22 bacco control campaign. Geloso, Kerrilee Hunter and Paula through September 28, 1996, to be Law- I strongly support President Clinton’s he- roic leadership on this most important issue. Rashkow who also represented Con- suit Abuse Awareness Week in West Unfortunately, the tobacco industry has necticut at the Odyssey of the Mind Virginia. I want to commend all of the many allies here on Capitol Hill who will Finals this year. In addition, I con- individuals who are involved in Citi- most likely launch an effort to derail the gratulate the students’ coaches for a zens Against Lawsuit Abuse for their FDA’s regulations. job well done. dedication and commitment to this im- According to recent reports, the tobacco Clearly, these young students are portant citizen education project. industry, in just the first six months on 1996, fine examples of what can be accom- As someone who has been a leader in has spent more than $15 million lobbying plished when people put aside their dif- the battle of product liability reform, I Congress, the White House and federal agen- ferences and work together toward a continue to hope for the kind of edu- cies. Moreover, campaign donations, both soft and hard, are up dramatically, as the in- common goal. Their creativity, hard cation, dialog, and consensus-building dustry prepares to launch a most expensive work, perseverance and willingness to clearly needed to address problems in offense against federal efforts to control take risks remind us that Yankee inge- our legal process that hurt consumers, youth tobacco use. nuity is still alive in Connecticut. I sa- victims, and the private sector. I en- While the industry may have the financial lute these young people and am con- courage CALA to continue raising wherewithal to spend millions of dollars to fident that we will all be hearing more these issues and promoting solutions influence legislators and advertise their mis- about these exceptional students in the that ensure justice and improve the leading messages, public opinion seems to future. legal system. West Virginia and the have permanently shifted against Big To- bacco. Through internal documents and the f country as a whole need informed, edu- brave testimony of former employees, two of cated, and dedicated citizens to help COMMEMORATION OF LAWSUIT elected officials address serious issues who are here today, decades of duplicity on ABUSE AWARENESS WEEK behalf of the Big Tobacco have been exposed and achieve reforms when necessary.∑ ∑ and etched into the collective consciousness Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, f of the American people. today I want to acknowledge a group of Those of us in Congress who support Presi- citizens in West Virginia who are POSTAL SERVICE IN GEORGIA dent Clinton’s actions on tobacco have a re- speaking out on the issue of lawsuit ∑ Mr. COVERDELL. Mr. President, as sponsibility to not only herald these regula- abuse in an effort to serve the public. we complete the appropriations process tions but also hold the line against industry In many areas of West Virginia, local for fiscal year 1997, I would like to take efforts to water them down. Today’s hearing citizens have volunteered their time to should reinforce the idea that the FDA’s reg- this opportunity to make my col- ulations, and jurisdiction, is necessary to start Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse leagues aware of the unacceptable protect future generations of American chil- groups and to initiate public awareness manner in which the Postal Service dren. Once again, I applaud the leadership of campaigns in their areas about what has operated in a matter involving an Senators Kennedy and Lautenberg on this they see as the problems of lawsuit address change request in my home issue and I look forward to working with abuse. State of Georgia. both of them in the future.∑ The CALA groups focus on education. Mr. President, for 25 years, residents f These citizens are speaking out about of an area informally known as an issue that has statewide and na- SALUTE TO ‘‘ODYSSEY OF THE Centerville, GA, located in Gwinnett tional implications. The costs of law- MIND’’ PARTICIPANTS FROM County, have been trying to work with suits can include higher costs for con- BETHANY, CONNECTICUT the Postal Service for a facility that is sumer products, higher medical ex- closer to their homes, and an address Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I rise penses, higher taxes, and fewer jobs due that reflects the location in which they today to pay tribute to a group of re- to lost business expansion and forgone live. Although these Georgians reside markable young people from my home product development. in Gwinnett County, their address is State of Connecticut. For the past 4 Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse has a dictated by the Postal Service is years, students from Bethany, a small, straightforward goal. They want to Lithonia, GA—a town that is approxi- rural community in Connecticut, have help the public prevent unnecessary mately 15 miles away, and is located in participated in an international prob- lawsuits that do more harm than good. a different county. lem-solving competition called Odys- West Virginians are not the type of Not only are those citizens having sey of the Mind. This competition gives people to walk away from a problem. problems with their mail delivery, such children in grades kindergarten When we see something that’s clearly as stolen and misdelivered mail, their through 12 the opportunity to develop wrong, we work to make people aware address designations has created great their problem-solving and team-build- of it, and we try to make it right. confusion in dealing with everyday ing skills by challenging students to CALA members believe that they have household issues such as emergency develop unique ways to solve one of the opportunity to reform our laws so service, insurance, property taxes, five long-term problems. A team that the legal system is more fair, sales taxes and parcel delivery. Even spends countless hours together to de- more effective, and more sensible to small matters, such as ordering a take- velop and perfect a unique solution to serve everyone’s interests. out pizza, often result in unnecessary the problem set before them. Their ef- These nonprofit groups have raised confusion and inconvenience when giv- forts are judged in a state competition local funds to run educational media ing addresses. In addition, a round trip

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