Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) has teamed up with Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) to reintroduce bicameral legislation tackling the dangers and rise in e-cigarette use among youth in the U.S.
The Preventing Opportunities for Teen E-Cigarette and Tobacco Addiction (PROTECT) Act seeks to authorize $100 million in annual funding “for five years for a proactive Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initiative.”
The initiative would address the rise in vaping among the youth through “enhanced research, grants for states and localities to address this issue in their communities, the development of evidence-based policies, and other critical activities to combat” the trend.
“Youth vaping is a public health crisis, and we need to treat it like one. For too long, Big Tobacco has preyed on America’s youth with flavored vapes specifically designed to get them hooked young,” Rep. Wasserman Schultz affirmed.
Over A Million Young Adults Use E-Cigarettes
According to a Food & Drug Administration (FDA) analysis of data from the 2025 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) on youth tobacco use, 1.44 million young adults reported use of e-cigarettes.
Of that figure, 1.13 million high school students reported current use, with the remaining 300,000 being middle school students.
"The PROTECT ACT Is Needed Now More Than Ever"
According to a press release from the Congresswoman’s office, the trend in frequent use has worsened as a result of the Trump administration’s dismantling of “key anti-smoking programs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),” as well as the “authorizing flavored e-cigarette products that appeal to children.”
“The PROTECT Act is needed now more than ever as the Trump Administration decimates key tobacco cessation programs and rubber stamps dangerous, flavored vape approvals at FDA,” she added. “I’m very proud to partner with Senator Blumenthal on this effort to protect our country’s children and keep them healthy.”
Congresswoman Schultz’s remains passionate about young adults’ well-being, especially regarding cigarettes, as the veteran Representative introduced similar legislation in 2023 and 2021.
