Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I support H.R. 2339, which will address the epidemic of rising youth smoking across the country.

Importantly, the bill before us today incorporates a proposal reported by the Ways and Means Committee that would establish a Federal excise tax on nicotine products, including vaping products.

I thank Tom Suozzi, who has really done a great job on this, in a bipartisan effort, to ensure that e-cigarette products are taxed the same as traditional tobacco.

Studies show that excise taxes reduce both adult and underage smoking. In general, every 10 percent increase in the real price of cigarettes reduces the number of kids who smoke by 6 to 7 percent and reduces overall cigarette consumption by 3 to 5 percent.

In recognition of the effort that we are making this morning, measured by the effectiveness of excise taxes as they reduce youth smoking, the World Health Organization recommends that e-cigarettes be treated and regulated in the same way as traditional tobacco products.

The Surgeon General has said that raising prices on cigarettes is ``one of the most effective tobacco control interventions'' because it reduces smoking, particularly among kids.

With this legislation, we are simply building on what we already know works. We are ensuring that nicotine will be taxed at approximately the same rate, whether you get it from e-cigarettes or traditional cigarettes.

The revenue that we raise by creating parity here will be reinvested into important public health work such as smoking cessation, colorectal screening, and increasing access to treatment for people with chronic lung disease. Specifically, we will provide needed financial protection for Medicare beneficiaries undergoing important colorectal cancer screenings.

I want to thank Representative Payne for leading efforts on this commonsense policy that would reduce out-of-pocket costs for seniors to access this effective preventative care.

In addition, H.R. 2339 allows high-deductible health plans to cover inhalers and nebulizers for treatment of chronic lung disease. Under this provision, patients will receive coverage before reaching their deductible and remain eligible for health savings accounts. For patients with chronic lung disease, lower cost and easier access to these treatments reduces the use of more expensive medical care, including hospitalization.

I thank Mr. Cox and Ms. Sewell for leading on these provisions.

This legislation will protect our children from significant health consequences that come with nicotine addiction, while helping seniors and patients with chronic lung disease.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to step up this morning and vote for this very important measure.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source