Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Sen. Tim Kaine introduced bipartisan legislation Monday to raise the nationwide age for purchasing cigarettes, vaping devices, and other tobacco products from 18 to 21.
“In recognition of tobacco’s history in our states and aware of the threat that all tobacco products pose now and for future generations, we introduced legislation to raise the national age of purchase to 21,” McConnell said Monday.
The Kentucky Republican, in announcing the bill, referenced the youth “vaping crisis” cited by educators and parents who have seen young people gravitate toward the products, which contain addictive nicotine and can scar the lungs.
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“By making it more difficult for tobacco products to end up in the hands of middle school and high school students, we can protect our children and give them the opportunity to grow and develop into healthy adults,” McConnell said. “We’re ready for a national debate about the health of our children, and I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass this bill.”
Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, called youth tobacco and vaping use “one of the most significant public health issues facing our nation today” and said the bill would help diminish the problem.
McConnell did not announce the timing for moving the legislation through the legislative process.
