“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,” added McConnell. “We’ve heard from countless parents who have seen the youth vaping crisis firsthand, and together, Senator Kaine and I are addressing this public health crisis head-on. 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. 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.”
As governor of Virginia, Kaine signed a bill into law that banned smoking in bars and restaurants in the Commonwealth. He also signed an executive order to ban smoking in state buildings and vehicles. In April 2018, Kaine co-signed two letters to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and JUUL Labs, Inc., addressing concerns in regards to the use of flavored e-cigarettes. Along with other signers of the letter, Kaine and his colleagues questioned the marketing practices of JUUL and the ingredients in the flavored e-cigarette devices. Despite reports that the bill would contain an exemption for military members, the draft of the bill released so far contains no such exemption.
You can read a full draft of the Tobacco-Free Youth Act by clicking here. For all the latest legislation and FDA news impacting the tobacco industry, click here.
 and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) introduced the Tobacco-Free Youth Act, raising minimum purchasing age to 21.){kind=link}