Bipartisan Congressional Caucus Relaunched to Combat Youth Vaping Epidemic

U.S. Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi and Chris Stewart, along with Senator Dick Durbin, have relaunched the bipartisan Congressional Caucus to End the Youth Vaping Epidemic. Since its founding in 2019, the caucus has been dedicated to educating Members of Congress and community stakeholders on the history of tobacco policy and regulation, particularly regarding e-cigarettes and the youth vaping epidemic. The caucus has brought together organizations and individuals to combat the growing issue of youth nicotine addiction.

Key Takeaways:

• The caucus has been relaunched with a focus on addressing the youth vaping epidemic and protecting America's youth from the dangers and health risks of vaping and e-cigarettes.
• Over 2.5 million children are using e-cigarettes, with 1 in 10 U.S. middle and high school students currently vaping, according to the American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
• Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi has stated that "our children and adolescents have been targeted for vaping and nicotine addiction by e-cigarette makers seeking to profit off the health of America's youth."
• The campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids has praised the caucus, commending Reps. Krishnamoorthi, Stewart, and Sen. Durbin for their leadership in reestablishing this caucus and all the members of Congress involved for their commitment to addressing the youth addiction crisis.
• The caucus is endorsed by over 50 organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Lung Association, and the American Heart Association.
• The caucus aims to reduce the impact of the vaping epidemic on the 2.5 million youth who report using e-cigarettes and to ensure that Congress acts swiftly and decisively to address the issue.

Statistics:

• 2.5 million children are using e-cigarettes, according to the American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
• 8.2 million middle school and high school students nationwide use tobacco products every day, including e-cigarettes.
• 2.5 million high school and middle school students vaping last year alone.
• 1 in 10 U.S. middle and high school students currently vape, according to the American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
• 8.2 million middle school and high school students nationwide use tobacco products every day, including e-cigarettes.

Sources:

• Congresswoman Raja Krishnamoorthi for representing the 8th district of Illinois
• Senator Dick Durbin for his time on the Senate Committee on Appropriations
• Senator Dick Durbin for his thoughts on a clean energy bill in 2022 from Pro Publica
• Congressman Stewart for his thoughts on disaster aid legislation from Farm News
• American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• American Lung Association
• American Heart Association
• Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids