Congressman Don Davis Sends Bipartisan Letter to President Biden on Tobacco Harm Reduction Strategies

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Congressman Don Davis (NC-01), Co-Chair of the Tobacco Harm Reduction Caucus,sent a bipartisan letter to President Joe Biden asking the Administration to expedite consideration of smoke-free tobacco products for smokers seeking to quit. North Carolina’s First Congressional District ranks first nationwide in tobacco production. Congressmen Bacon (R-NE), Carter, (D-LA), and Clarke (D-NY) joined the bipartisan letter. Public health data shows that non-combustible tobacco products, including the more than fifty that are pending Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, are significantly safer for adult smokers than their combustible alternatives. 

“Without the timely approval of harm-reducing products, smokers who are not able to quit will face life-threatening consequences. The delay in approvals deprives adult smokers of greater choice,” said Congressman Don Davis.“We are urging the Administration to ensure there are safe, smoke-free tobacco alternatives to cigarettes for the benefit of 30 million smokers nationwide.”

On April 26, 2024, the Biden Administration announced an indefinite delay in issuing a rule banning menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars, after months of opposition from a coalition of civil rights and law enforcement groups, along with a bipartisan group of lawmakers. The letter calls on the Administration to, whether or not a ban takes place, pursue alternatives to combustible tobacco products. You can read theletter here.

In November 2023, North Carolina Congressman Don Davis and Congressman David Rouzer sent a letter to the Biden Administration requesting a full consideration of the economic impact of a ban on economically distressed communities throughout eastern North Carolina and rural America. In December 2023, the Biden Administration delayed a potential ban until April, before announcing an indefinite delay earlier today.