WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, Senator Ashley Moody, a member of the Senate HELP committee, called for a commitment from Dr. Hedi Overton to address the dangers presented to young Americans by illicit, Chinese-made nicotine vape products.
“As a mom, I am always concerned with the health and safety of my family. These illicit vapes are a widespread danger specifically targeting America’s youth. I am calling on the FDA and Administration to take these illicit devices seriously because the health of our kids depends on it,” said Senator Ashley Moody.
BACKGROUND:
- During a confirmation hearing, Senator Moody pressed then-FDA nominee Dr. Marty Makary on dangerous, illegal Chinese vapes. Senator Moody has also engaged with HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr. about China flooding the U.S. market with illegal, addicting vapes.
- This is not a new issue for Senator Moody, as Florida’s Attorney General, Moody fought fiercely to stop vape companies from addicting minors:
- During her first year in office as Attorney General, upon learning that Florida just experienced a dramatic increase in the use of e-cigarettes among Florida youth, then-AG Moody launched a statewide listening tour to hear from parents, teachers and law enforcement about the growing problem of youth vaping.
- Moody took legal action against Juul for targeting minors to purchase addictive nicotine products following leading amultistate investigation;
- Moody took legal action against two Florida vaping companies marketing to minors;
- Moody launched the most comprehensive state vaping investigation publicly acknowledged to date into more than 20 vape companies doing business in Florida;
- Moody warned parents that illicit fentanyl may appear in illicit vape pods in a back-to-school warning;
- Moody worked with lawmakers to pass FL HB 1007, to remove illegal vape products that are addictive and attractive to minors from being sold in Florida.
- Moody urged President Trump to raise the issue of illicit Chinese vapes flooding the U.S. market during the meeting between President Trump and President Xi this week.
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