Weekly+Recap%e2%86%92+Tackling+the+Vaping+Crisis

September 9 - September 13, 2019

In light of the sixth death and the hundreds of cases of serious illness linked to vaping, much of the Senator's week was focused on addressing this pervasive public health crisis. Senator Romney sent a letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) urging him to consider a recall on e-cigarettes, calling for stronger public education efforts, and a thorough review of product standards. After HHS announced it would proceed with banning all non-tobacco e-cigarette flavors, an action the Senator applauded, Senator Romney met with the Acting FDA Commissioner about next steps and stated he would be introducing legislation to further protect the health and safety of Americans. The Senator also commemorated the 18th anniversary of 9/11, participated in a Homeland Security Committee hearing on the state of homeland security after 9/11, and met with multiple groups of Utahns.

We must protect the health and safety of Americans, and it is extremely concerning that our young people are being deceived into thinking e-cigarettes are safe. In light of recent deaths and illnesses relate to vaping, Senator Romney sent a letter to U.S. HHS Secretary Azar urging him to reconsider recalling e-cigarettes as investigations into these devices continue. Senator Romney subsequently applauded the administration's announcement it would be moving forward with the elimination of non-tobacco e-cigarette flavors. Following his meeting with colleagues and the Acting FDA Commissioner, Senator Romney released a statement outlining the next steps we must take to solve this pervasive public health crisis.

This week marked the 18th anniversary of September 11, 2001. Members of the Senate Homeland Security Committee traveled to New York City to tour the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, and held a hearing on the state of homeland security following these terrorist attacks.

Full story by Ryan McDonald here.

The Department of Defense (DoD) notified Senator Romney that funding appropriated by Congress for military construction projects at Hill Air Force Base would be diverted as a result of the February 2019 emergency declaration. Having previously urged the DoD to protect funding for these Utah projects, Senators Romney and Lee released this statement, arguing that the Executive Branch should use the appropriate channels in Congress to fund border security, rather than divert already appropriated funding away from projects that are crucial to military readiness. Senator Romney also pledged to work with the Utah delegation to fight for funding for these projects to be restored next budget cycle.

Several groups of Utahns stopped by the Washington, D.C. office this week, including:

This group of Air Force ROTC students from Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University.

County Commissioners from San Juan, Kane, Washington, and Beaver who were in town on behalf of the National Association of Counties.

Utah State FFA Officers Gracie and Sabrina, who were also a part of the Utah National Farmers Union delegation.

Members of the American Cancer Society from Utah, as well as former BYU Men's Basketball Coach Dave Rose.

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