[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 27 (Thursday, February 9, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H805]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              CLOSING THE DISPOSABLE E-CIGARETTE LOOPHOLE

  (Ms. JACKSON LEE asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, let me thank the Biden administration 
for work that they have already done by asking to have them help us in 
the closure of the disposable e-cigarette loophole.
  As chair of the Congressional Children's Caucus, the administration's 
work in curtailing youth e-cigarette use is commendable. Vaping and e-
cigarette usage among youth is at a historic low. Good news.
  Despite this, however, the FDA guidance issued by the previous 
administration that prohibits flavored e-cigarettes fails to include 
any disposable e-cigarette products currently on the market.
  This loophole, alongside the appeal that disposable e-cigarettes have 
for our youth, has influenced a surge in youth consumption.
  Right now, in smoke shops, corner stores, and gas stations across the 
country, disposable e-cigarettes are being sold for prices as low as 
$5.
  Like candy, they are being offered in enticing flavors such as 
strawberry, iced apple mango, and pineapple lemonade; just what a child 
would look at.
  Each product is cleverly designed to easily fit in one's pocket, easy 
to take to school or other places. These products are sleek, 
affordable, pocket-sized, and highly accessible.
  A single disposable device can contain enough nicotine as an entire 
pack of cigarettes.
  A 2022 National Youth Tobacco Study said these products' usage is up 
2,188 percent since 2019. It is dangerous. Let's get to work. Let's 
save our children.
  Let us celebrate a happy Black History Month, as well.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to thank the Biden Administration for its help 
already. Now the Nation needs help in closing the disposable e-
cigarette loophole.
  The Administration's work in curtailing youth e-cigarette use is 
commendable; vaping and e-cigarette usage among youths is at a historic 
low.
  Despite this, however, the FDA guidance issued by the previous 
administration that prohibits flavored e-cigarettes, FAILS to include 
any disposable e-cigarette products currently on the market.
  This loophole, alongside the appeal that disposable e-cigarettes have 
for youth, has influenced a surge in youth consumption.
  Right now, in smoke shops, corner stores, and gas stations across the 
country, disposable e-cigarettes are being sold for prices as low as 
$5.
  They are being offered in enticing flavors such as Strawberry, Iced 
Apple Mango, and Pineapple Lemonade.
  Each product is cleverly designed to easily fit in one's pocket.
  These products are sleek, affordable, pocket-sized, and highly 
accessible to our youth.
  A single disposable device can contain enough nicotine as an entire 
pack of cigarettes.
  According to the Centers for Disease Control 2022 National Youth 
Tobacco Study, usage of these products is up 2,188 percent since 2019.
  This is a dangerous over site that will put thousands of lives at 
risk.
  I urge this Administration to close the loophole to ensure the flavor 
ban includes disposable e-cigarettes.
  The future and safety of America's youth depend on it.

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