Lowey Statement on Fda's E-Cigarette Announcement

Statement

Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY17/Rockland-Westchester), Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) decision to pursue restrictions on sales of flavored e-cigarettes:

"I am encouraged by the FDA's proposal to ban flavored cigars and menthol in cigarettes, and I urge the agency to move quickly to implement these rules. This action could significantly prevent more young people from getting hooked on nicotine and would save lives.

"But sadly, the FDA's effort will not fully stem the growing epidemic of teenage e-cigarette use. I remain concerned that the agency has refused to follow through on its threat to ban flavored e-cigarettes. We know that these devices are marketed to children, with flavors like Fruit Loops and Gummy Bears, and that without an outright ban, young people will continue to access them.

"Despite the proposed rules announced today, the window of opportunity for younger generations to get hooked on nicotine remains open. I urge the FDA to recognize that flavored e-cigarettes have no place in the market and to use their regulatory authority to pursue a full ban."

Congresswoman Lowey has been a leader in the U.S. House for regulating e-cigarettes and other vaping devices. During an April 17, 2018, Appropriations hearing, Lowey challenged Commissioner Gottlieb on the agency's approach to e-cigarettes, particularly JUULs, warning that delaying action will put youth at unnecessary risk. She has also hosted multiple roundtables in Rockland and Westchester with students, local officials, community leaders, medical experts, and advocates on the dangers of youth smoking and has commended the Rockland and Westchester County Legislatures for banning the sale of cigarette products to those under 21 years of age.

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