Senators have described teen vaping over the last few years as an “epidemic,” a “crisis,” and an “emergency.”
But today, with the opportunity to publicly pin down the man likely to deal with the issue as the next FDA commissioner, just one senator asked a question about e-cigarettes, and there was almost no discussion about tobacco policy issues at the agency.
The Washington Post ran a story this morning, before Robert Califf’s nomination hearing began, suggesting that many questions would be asked about the nominee’s positions on vaping and regulation of menthol and nicotine in cigarettes. But the senators did not oblige.
The lack of interest is especially notable considering the committee members with a history of opposition to vaping. Noted anti-vaping senators Mitt Romney, Patty Murray and Lisa Murkowski are all members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) Committee, which held the confirmation hearing for Califf, nominated by President Biden to lead the FDA.
Jim McDonald – Vaping360.com – 2021-12-14.
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