Jackson Purchase News

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and U.S. Senator Tim Kaine have expressed approval for a new rule issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concerning ID requirements for purchasing tobacco products at retail establishments. This rule, set to take effect on September 30, is part of the Tobacco-Free Youth Act, legislation introduced by McConnell and Kaine that raised the minimum age to buy all tobacco products from 18 to 21.

Last week, Senator McConnell addressed the Senate floor about a recent survey conducted by the FDA and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The survey found that youth e-cigarette use in America has dropped to its lowest level in a decade.

“Youth e-cigarette use was at its peak just five years ago. That’s when I introduced legislation along with Senator Kaine to raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco products to 21. Today, the number of young people smoking e-cigarettes dropped to its lowest level in a decade,” said Senator McConnell. “I’m glad to see the FDA finally produce this rule that will help keep even more children from getting their hands on addictive vaping devices. While more work remains, I’m grateful to see our bipartisan legislation making a big impact.”

Senator Kaine also commented on the FDA's final guidance: “I’m glad the FDA issued final guidance to implement our bipartisan legislation to raise the tobacco age to 21,” he said. “I was proud to work with Senator McConnell to get this legislation signed into law. Our bipartisan bill has already made a huge difference in keeping tobacco products away from young people, and this final rule will only further these efforts.”

In both 2022 and 2023, McConnell and Kaine urged the FDA to issue this final rule. The new regulation mandates retailers ask for photo identification from anyone under 30 and bans sales of tobacco products via vending machines in locations where individuals under 21 are allowed.