FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Diane Maple, 202/785-3355
HEALTH, LABOR GROUPS APPLAUD CAREFUL' CLINTON REVIEW OF TOBACCO DEAL, URGE FULL DOCUMENT DISCLOSURE'
(Washington, D.C.) -- More than 290 public health, labor and other grassroots groups from around the nation today urged President Clinton to require "full document disclosure" from the tobacco industry before endorsing any deal with the cigarette companies.
The groups, led by the American Lung Association, the American Public Health Association and the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, applauded the president's decision to "review carefully" the settlement proposed by the tobacco industry and a number of state attorneys general.
"Good public policy would dictate full disclosure of all tobacco-related documents relevant to public health, medical research, marketing and advertising, consumer fraud, potential criminal activities, and anti-trust violations on the part of the tobacco industry," the groups said in a letter to Clinton.
"We believe that any settlement should not be endorsed prior to full document disclosure," the groups added. "You and the American people have a right to know."
The letter was signed by organizations in 50 states and the District of Columbia. It comes as the White House is reviewing options on the deal struck last June between the tobacco companies and some state attorneys general.
Many fear that the proposed deal would make it harder for the public to learn the truth about decades-old tobacco industry secrets. The deal also would restrict federal attempts to regulate nicotine and allow the tobacco industry to take advantage of new tax loopholes.
The president initially was expected to decide on the settlement this week, after returning from vacation. But White House officials have said he probably will take longer to examine the deal, which must be approved by Congress before it can take effect.
The cigarette companies are seeking quick approval of the deal by the White House and Congress--before the start of state trials that could lead to disclosure of secret industry documents.
(Attached is a copy of the letter to the President. A list of 290 Co-Signers from all 50 states and the District of Columbia is available. Please contact Erin Spilman at 202/785-3355.)
The American Lung Association has been fighting lung disease for more than 90 years. With the generous support of the public and the help of our volunteers, we have seen many advances against lung disease. However, our work is not finished. As we look forward to our second century, we will continue to strive to make breathing easier for everyone. Along with our medical section, the American Thoracic Society, we provide programs of education, community service, advocacy, and research. The American Lung Association's activities are supported by donations to Christmas Seals and other voluntary contributions. You may obtain additional information via our America Online site, keyword: ALA, or Web site at http://www.lungusa.org. ###
September 15, 1997
The Honorable William Jefferson Clinton The White House Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
We applaud your decision to review carefully the settlement proposed by the tobacco industry and a number of state attorneys general. Good public policy would dictate full disclosure of all tobacco related documents relevant to public health, medical research, marketing and advertising, consumer fraud, potential criminal activities, and anti-trust violations on the part of the tobacco industry. We believe that any settlement should not be endorsed prior to full document disclosure. You and the American people have a right to know.
Sincerely, The American Lung Association
See attached for a list of 290 Co-Signers from all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
cc: United States Senate
United States House of Representatives
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