Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019

Floor Speech

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Mrs. MILLER. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the legislation before us, because today my colleagues across the aisle are trying to tax people who want to quit smoking. It is cut and dried. That is the issue, and it is just plain wrong.

I commend this House for the advances we have made this year when it comes to addressing youth nicotine use. Up until this point, we have already raised the purchasing age of tobacco products to 21 years old. We have already increased age verification standards for the online sales of e-cigarettes, and we are continuously performing oversight over vaping-associated lung injuries. These are serious actions to address serious problems.

But this bill before us today completely misses the mark and punishes the very people who should be supported. Give me a break.

Studies show that taxing vaping products increases cigarette use, not inhibits it. And further, this doesn't even address the root of vaping- related lung injuries, because the supporters of this bill remain silent--silent--on black market THC products.

Federal health officials recently reported a case study that found 95 percent of vaping-related injuries were caused by using these illicit products. This is the real problem.

Instead of overregulating this industry and overburdening taxpayers trying to take control of their healthcare, I request that my colleagues vote against H.R. 2339.

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