Smokers' tax

President Bill Clinton has urged the US Congress to beef up the provisions of
an agreement which would permit cigarette manufacturers to pay $368
billion over 25 years in exchange for protection against lawsuits for damages.
Clinton says the tobacco companies should fork out another $1.50 per pack
in taxes and other penalties, roughly doubling the sum they have to find. The
cigarette companies have rejected Clinton’s proposal, but say they think they
can reach an agreement with Congress.