Murkowski Commends Administration for E-Cigarette Flavor Ban
Prioritizes Health and Safety of Future Generations
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today commended the Trump administration for its announcement on banning flavored e-cigarettes. The U.S. Department of Human Services announced plans for the FDA to finalize a compliance policy, which would place a ban on all non-tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes. This announcement follows a recent CDC health advisory on severe pulmonary disease associated with using e-cigarette products, which also identified the illnesses impacting adolescents and young adults, ranging in ages 17 to 28.
“I have been a strong proponent for placing robust restrictions on e-cigarette flavorings and related products that have been strategically marketed to children for far too long. We must do all we can to prevent youth from using and becoming addicted to these harmful products.” said Senator Murkowski. “Today’s announcement is an important step in our commitment to reversing the tide of the disturbing rise of youth vaping. I look forward to finalization and implementation of this new compliance policy and thank the administration for prioritizing the health and safety of children, families, and our communities.”
Background:
- In August 2018, Senator Murkowski and Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced the Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act or the SAFE Kids Act. The SAFE Kids Act places strict limitations on the use of flavors in tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes and cigars, in an effort to reverse the marketing tactics that make tobacco products more appealing for kids.
- In October of 2018, Senator Murkowski, alongside Senator Durbin, urged the FDA to immediately ban kid-friendly e-cigarette flavorings and restrict online sales of the addictive nicotine products.
