Suozzi’s Bipartisan Vaping Bill Passes House of Representatives

Today, the House of Representatives passed legislation including the bipartisan Protecting American Lungs Act. This bill, introduced by Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-Long Island, Queens), will tax nicotine from vaping products at the same rate as nicotine from cigarettes. The lead Republican sponsor is Congressman Suozzi’s Long Island colleague Congressman Peter King (R-Seaford). The bill now moves to the Senate.

The revenue generated by this bill will be used to fund several important health initiatives, including:

• Requiring certain high deductible health plans (HDHPs) to cover the cost of inhalers used to treat chronic lung diseases like asthma
• Waiving Medicare’s co-insurance requirements for colorectal cancer screening
• Creating grants and education programs at the CDC and Community Health Centers to reduce tobacco use

“When I was Nassau County Executive, one of my top priorities was addressing our nation’s smoking epidemic. Now as a Member of Congress, I am terrified by the number of teenagers who are addicted to nicotine because they vape,” said Suozzi. “Increasing the cost of e-cigarettes will decrease the usage of these products. In New York State, we have the highest cigarette taxes in the country, and as a result, our smoking and cancer rates are some of the lowest in the country.”

“I want to thank Ways & Means Chairman Neal for his leadership on getting vaping products out of the hands of young people. We must address this public health crisis now, rather than waiting years to do so, as we did with cigarettes,” said Suozzi. “I also appreciate Representative King for joining me to lead this much-needed bill. Now that the House has passed this important legislation, I hope that the Senate will pass it in short order.”

“Today’s development is an important step in ensuring Congress explores a means to end this epidemic and ensure the well-being of our youth,” said King. “I am proud to work with Rep. Suozzi in this effort.”

The Suozzi bill has the support of over 50 public health, medical, and education organizations including:

• American Academy of Nursing
• American Academy of Pediatrics
• American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
• American Heart Association
• American Lung Association
• American Medical Association
• Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
• Parents Against Vaping E-Cigarettes

Congressman Suozzi serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means, the oldest in Congress, which exercises jurisdiction over revenue and related issues. Typically reserved for senior members of Congress, the prestigious Committee’s alums include eight Presidents, eight Vice Presidents, 21 Speakers of the House, and four Supreme Court Justices.

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