Bill Clinton

“ Such legislation must set ambitious targets to cut teen smoking rates and stiff financial penalties to help ensure that tobacco companies meet those targets. To counteract the pervasive influence of cigarette and smokeless tobacco advertising and promotion, we must mount a nationwide effort to strip tobacco of its allure, warning our young people of its addictive nature and deadly consequences and helping parents discourage their children from ever taking up the habit. ”

“ Because most smokers-more than 80 percent of them-begin smoking before their 18th birthday, my Administration is working hard to reach children before they decide to start. Last year, I announced tough measures to limit children's access to tobacco products and to reduce their appeal to young people. ”

“ For 21 years, this special day has been devoted to communicating a simple message: if you smoke, you need to quit-for life. Smoking is the largest cause of preventable death in this country, eventually killing one of every two people who continue to smoke. ”

“ Every day, 3,000 adolescents in America smoke their first cigarette, taking the first step to becoming regular smokers, and one-third of these new smokers will eventually die of tobacco-related diseases. ”

“ Now we are working with the Congress, the public health community, State attorneys general across the country, and other interested organizations to develop and pass comprehensive national legislation to reduce teen smoking significantly. ”