09.16.20

Huge Decline in Teen Vaping Follows McConnell Legislation Raising Tobacco Purchase Age to 21

‘According to the 2020 National Youth Tobacco Survey administered by the FDA and the CDC, the number of American youth using e-cigarettes has dropped by 1.8 million since just last year… That’s a win. And it has happened largely because the Senate stepped up.’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the Tobacco-Free Youth Act:

“A few days ago, the country got something that’s been in too-short supply in 2020: Some great news. 

“Specifically, great news on the subject of public health.

“According to the 2020 National Youth Tobacco Survey administered by the FDA and the CDC, the number of American youth using e-cigarettes has dropped by 1.8 million since just last year. 

“Let me repeat that: 1.8 million fewer young Americans are using e-cigarettes and vaping devices than one year ago.

“This victory for young Americans’ health is no accident. The experts say a number of factors are at play. But one major contributing factor unfolded right here in the Senate.

Last December, the president signed the Tobacco-Free Youth Act into law. It was a bill I wrote and introduced to stem the tide of what was a rapidly-growing public health crisis among our nation’s young people.

“The bipartisan bill that I wrote with my friend Senator Kaine, and with the help of other colleagues including Senator Young, raised the minimum age to purchase tobacco products -- including e-cigarettes and vaping devices -- from 18 to 21.

“This was based on clear-cut science. Public health experts tell us the harmful effects of nicotine are most potent on bodies and brains that are still developing. Nearly 9 out of 10 adult smokers started by the age of 18.

“So we knew it was time to take action. I’m proud to have led the legislation that took another leap forward in getting nicotine addiction away from our nation’s youth. And by the looks of these data, it has not taken long for our legislation to pay major dividends.

“Nearly two million fewer teens in Kentucky, and Virginia, and Indiana, and across the country are having their future put in jeopardy by these products. That’s a win. And it has happened largely because the Senate stepped up.”

Related Issues: Tobacco 21