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Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) today spoke during debate on the House floor in opposition to the Flavored Tobacco Ban and Excise Tax Increase Act. The House passed the legislation 213 to 195. Congressman Allen’s remarks can be found below.

We can all agree that the current youth vaping trend is cause for concern and we must evaluate strategies to prevent young people from using e-cigarettes and tobacco products.

This bill does nothing to address the youth vaping epidemic or the use of illicit products that have been linked to the outbreak of lung illnesses.

That’s why this body has taken steps to address this issue, including passing legislation to raise the minimum age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21.

But the Flavored Tobacco Ban and Excise Tax Increase Act is a textbook example of federal overreach.

H.R. 2339 would instead ban all flavors for all tobacco products and impose a new excise tax on nicotine used in vaping.

I find it confusing that many of my colleagues who support banning these tobacco products also support legalizing marijuana.

Where is the common sense in this House?

Instead of putting a partisan, overreaching bill on the floor, Democrats should work with Republicans on bipartisan solutions that actually address the youth vaping epidemic.