528 



For decades the tobacco companies have been exempt from the 

 standards of responsibility and accountability that apply to all 

 other American corporations. Companies that sell aspirin, cars, and 

 soda are all held to strict standards when they cause harm. 



We don't allow those companies to sell goods that recklessly en- 

 danger consumers. We don't allow them to suppress evidence of 

 dangers when harm occurs. We don't allow them to ignore science 

 and good sense. And we demand that when problems occur, cor- 

 porations and their senior executives be accountable to Congress 

 and the public. 



This hearing marks the beginning of a new relationship between 

 Congress and the tobacco companies. The old rules are out, the 

 standards that apply to every other company are in. We look for- 

 ward to hearing the testimony this morning, and to working with 

 these companies to begin to reduce the extraordinary public health 

 threat that tobacco poses. 



An old proverb says that a journey of a thousand miles must 

 begin with a single step. Today is the first step. Many more are to 

 come as we deal with the most serious health problem facing our 

 Nation. 



Before calling on our witnesses, I want to recognize members of 

 the subcommittee for opening statements, and to call on Mr. Bliley 

 first. 



Mr. Bliley. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Ladies and gentlemen, I 

 certainly would like to know, who is the anti-smoking groups' P.R. 

 agent because this person has done more for the name I.D. of this 

 small town Virginia mayor over the past few weeks than all of my 

 the press secretaries combined for the past 14 years. 



Seriously, ladies and gentlemen, over the past several weeks, we 

 have witnessed an unprecedented assault on tobacco that has un- 

 fortunately been driven not by science but by press release. Now 

 I've come to expect such behavior from the zealots in the anti- 

 smoking community, but it seems that when it comes to tobacco 

 that these tactics have acquired mainstream credibility. It is clear 

 that tobacco is not politically correct. 



I must say that I was saddened by what took place in this room 

 a couple of weeks ago. I witnessed the Commissioner of the FDA, 

 who is both a trained scientist and a lawyer, take threads of truth 

 and weave them into whole cloth of rumor and innuendo. The 

 members of this subcommittee were rude and hostile to any wit- 

 ness who dared to attempt to offer a different explanation. I hope 

 today is different. 



I welcome the leaders of the American tobacco manufacturers be- 

 fore our subcommittee to set the record straight. I pledge to you 

 that I will do what I can to ensure that this proceeding is fair, and 

 that your voice is heard. I am proud to represent thousands of hon- 

 est, hard working men and women who earn their livelihood pro- 

 ducing this legal product. 



I am proud of all their positive contributions to my community, 

 and I'll be damned if they are to be sacrificed on the alter of politi- 

 cal correctness. This Congress must not turn its back on science 

 and reason just because of the bubble of popularity. Though it may 

 be only tobacco today, what lies next. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 



Mr. Waxman. Thank you Mr. Bliley. Mr. Synar? 



