New Statistics Demonstrate Need For FDA To Finalize E-Cigarette Rule

Press Release

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) released the following statement today on a new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showing that e-tobacco use among high school students has climbed steadily for the past three years. In 2011, 1.5 percent of that population reported using e-cigarettes in the last 30 days; today that number is 4.5 percent.

"We must continue to fight the scourge of nicotine use among our nation's youth, including e-cigarettes. This new CDC report backs up previous research that indicates many more adolescents are seeking out these potentially dangerous nicotine delivery systems. In July I urged Commissioner Hamburg to finalize a proposed rule that would ban e-cigarette sales to minors by April 25. Today I renew that call and pledge to do everything within my power to ensure more of our young people do not fall victim to nicotine addiction."

In that July letter DeLauro also urged Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Margaret Hamburg to ban "child-friendly flavorings" such as chocolate or bubble gum and "youth-oriented marketing practices" such as celebrity endorsements.

DeLauro sits on the subcommittee responsible for funding the FDA. Congress gave the FDA the authority to regulate e-cigarettes under the 2009 Tobacco Control Act, which DeLauro cosponsored

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