We may not agree on other things as extreme as giving the tobacco industry virtual immunity from liability for their actions. If you wait until all these problems are resolved, sometimes that means you don't get anything. Some public-health groups oppose such an approach, saying the nation would lose a unique opportunity to redirect tobacco policy. Therefore, a piecemeal approach will be seen as a cave-in to the tobacco industry. President Clinton also prefers a comprehensive deal, but said he could accept an incremental approach if there is no alternative.
Nothing happens A key impediment is time.
Congress is working against the clock this session. Congressional leaders hope to adjourn by the end of August so members can go home to campaign. The compressed schedule poses a problem because the agenda also includes such controversial matters as the annual spending bills, a huge transportation bill and campaign-finance reform. Now, the controversy involving Clinton's alleged relationship with a White House intern also could prove a distraction to the tobacco talks, Siegal said. The complexity of the legislation also creates problems.