Sen. Lott Unsure of Liability Compromise

Senate Republican Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.) said any agreement limiting the liability of tobacco companies may be better left to the states than to Congress. Asked if he expects any compromise legislation in this Congress, Lott told reporters, “It could develop.” “But,” he quickly added, “it’s got to be . . . supported by all concerned,” and that might be difficult to achieve. The tobacco industry has been fighting regulatory efforts by the Food and Drug Administration, including rules made final last summer that ban color advertising of tobacco products on billboards and in magazines with significant youth readership. Industry representatives have told lawmakers they’d accept limited government regulation if Congress and the White House provide immunity that would help stave off potentially huge losses in court from smokers with health problems.