JOIE CHEN, CNN ANCHOR: The federal government is working on a plan to settle its lawsuit against the tobacco industry. Joining us now from Washington, CNN's Justice correspondent Kelli Arena. Kelli, what's going on in the story?</s>KELLI ARENA, CNN JUSTICE DEPARTMENT CORRESPONDENT: Well, that's right, Joie. Government officials tell CNN the Justice Department is seeking to settle its civil suit against the tobacco industry. Now, sources tell CNN Attorney General John Ashcroft has assembled a team of three Justice Department lawyers to work on the settlement strategy. Those lawyers met today with the department's litigation team. Government officials also tell CNN the Justice Department is pursuing a dual track, continuing to litigate the case, while pursuing the settlement agreement. Now, some legal experts have suggested the government should try to pursue with settlement, as there is some doubt about the strength of the government's case. Justice officials did brief some members of Congress today about their newest strategy. There is some resistance from congressional Democrats expected -- Joie.</s>CHEN: All right. CNN's Kelli Arena, our Justice correspondent joining us from our Washington bureau today. TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Government Seeks Settlement in Tobacco Civil Suit