WASHINGTON - Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the following statement after a Justice Department court filing revealed that “the FDA has represented that it will defer enforcement of all future compliance deadlines under the deeming rule for e-cigarette products for 3 months":
“I applaud the Trump administration for taking steps to delay enforcement of the FDA’s burdensome rule over e-cigarettes. This rule threatens an emerging industry, as well as former smokers who have switched to vaping. While this is only a first step, I am hopeful that the administration will permanently rein in this regulation so that the e-cigarette industry can continue to provide safe products that help save lives."
Johnson has raised concerns for nearly a year about the FDA’s e-cigarette regulation issued under the Obama administration, saying it could create undue burdens on small businesses and possibly lead to negative unintended health consequences.
Background
Over the last year, Chairman Johnson has sent several letters to the current and previous administration regarding the FDA’s e-cigarette regulation.
Chairman Johnson’s letters to former FDA Commissioner Califf:
May 17, 2016
June 6, 2016
July 15, 2016
Nov. 21, 2016
Chairman Johnson and Representative Hunter’s letter to Vice President-elect Pence on Dec. 12, 2016.
Chairman Johnson’s letter to Secretary Price on Feb. 21, 2017.
Source: U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
