DeLauro, Armstrong E-Cigarette Bill Passes Judiciary Committee

Preventing Online Sales of E-Cigarettes to Children Act closes loopholes that allow online e-cigarette retailers to circumvent age verification laws

WASHINGTON, DC — (October 16, 2019)Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Congressman Kelly Armstrong (ND-AL) today released the following statements after the House Judiciary Committee passed their bipartisan bill, the Preventing Online Sales of E-Cigarettes to Children Act (H.R. 3942), by a voice vote.

"Youth vaping is at epidemic levels across the country. One in four high school students use e-cigarettes, and every week we see more data from the CDC showing vaping's impact on people of all ages: thousands of illnesses and dozens of deaths, including one in my home state of Connecticut," said Congresswoman DeLauro. "That is unacceptable, and our government has a responsibility to solve this problem. The Preventing Online Sales of E-Cigarettes to Children Act begins to take on this epidemic by closing loopholes exempting online e-cigarette retailers from federal requirements to verify the age of their customers. We can all agree that our youngsters should not be able to obtain these dangerous products—whether in-person or online. I thank the Judiciary Committee—particularly Chairman Jerry Nadler, Ranking Member Doug Collins, and my co-lead, Congressman Kelly Armstrong—for passing our bill out of Committee today. I look forward to its swift consideration on the House Floor."

Earlier today, DeLauro held a hearing in the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee on the emerging public health threat of e-cigarettes. More information and a video of her hearing can be found here.

"This bill closes a loophole that allows online e-cigarette retailers to sell to customers without verifying their age," said Congressman Armstrong. "Minors can't buy e-cigarettes in a store and they shouldn't be able to buy them online either. Thank you to Chairman Nadler and Ranking Member Collins for moving this bill through the Judiciary Committee with bipartisan support."

The Preventing Online Sales of E-Cigarettes to Children Act would:

• Require online age verification for the purchase of e-cigarettes and vapor products.
• Require age verification at delivery of the above products.
• Comply with all state and local tobacco tax requirements.

DeLauro first introduced similar legislation in 2015.

The bill is supported by a broad coalition including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Lung Association, Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, California Physicians Alliance, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Children's Health Fund, Go2Foundation for Lung Cancer, National Alliance for Hispanic Health, National Association of Convenience Stores, Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America, National Association of Truck Stop Operators, Petroleum Marketers Association of America, and Convenience Distribution Association.