DeLauro, Armstrong E-Cigarette Bill Passes House of Representatives

WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D, Conn.) and Congressman Kelly Armstrong (R, N.D.) today released the following statements after the House of Representatives passed their bipartisan bill, the Preventing Online Sales of E-Cigarettes to Children Act (H.R. 3942), by a voice vote.

"Today, the House took an important first step toward addressing the youth vaping epidemic," said Congresswoman DeLauro. "There is broad, bipartisan agreement that kids should not be able to obtain dangerous e-cigarette products—whether in-person or online. That is why the Preventing Online Sales of E-Cigarettes to Children Act closes loopholes that exempt online e-cigarette retailers from federal age verification requirements. With one in four high school students using e-cigarettes, and more vaping-related illnesses and deaths every day, it is long past time our government take on its moral responsibility to solve this problem. This legislation is not a silver bullet to end the youth vaping epidemic—which is why I have called for a ban on all e-cigarette products and comprehensive legislation to address the issue—but it is a good start. Now that it has passed the House, I urge the Senate to take it up immediately."

"This bill closes the online delivery loophole and prevents underage purchase of e-cigarettes online," said Congressman Armstrong. "We don't let minors buy vaping products in a store and we require age verification for purchasing tobacco or alcohol online. It should be the same way for buying e-cigarettes online. I thank Congresswoman DeLauro for her partnership on this legislation to protect the next generation."

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.