In Appropriations Hearing, Durbin Calls Out Secretary Kennedy For FDA’s Failure To Crack Down On Illegal E-Cigarettes, Vape Products
April 23, 2026 by senate.gov
In Appropriations Hearing, Durbin Calls Out Secretary Kennedy For FDA’s Failure To Crack Down On Illegal E-Cigarettes, Vape Products
Durbin called on Secretary Kennedy to regulate illegal e-cigarette products, particularly those aimed at children. He highlighted the impact of tobacco on his family and criticized the FDA for authorizing JUUL Labs despite concerns. Durbin urged Kennedy to prioritize public health over Big Tobacco's interests, emphasizing the need to protect children from addictive substances. He questioned the proposed elimination of the CDC's Office of Smoking and Health and emphasized the importance of combating youth vaping. Durbin stressed the Tobacco Control Act's requirements for e-cigarette approval and advised against expanding their market. He shared a recent GAO report exposing the illegal sale of flavored e-cigarettes and criticized the lack of enforcement actions by FDA and DOJ.
14.10% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 39.8 million current smokers in United States 17.10% of men are current smokers but only 11.10% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
