For Immediate Release
Contact: Curtis Kalin 202-467-5318

August 15, 2017
 

(Washington, D.C.) – On August 10, 2017, Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) President Tom Schatz submitted public comments to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) supporting the approval of efforts for tobacco harm reduction through e-cigarettes and similar non-combustible products.

The comments read in part:

“The next best alternative to not smoking at all would be for tobacco harm reduction products to either be allowed to remain, or enter, the marketplace.  The FDA plays a pivotal role in allowing these types of products to be researched, developed, and sold in the U.S., and any action the agency takes will greatly influence whether people will continue to smoke cigarettes or utilize tobacco products that are less harmful.”

“Other countries are beginning to recognize the benefits of electronic nicotine delivery systems and similar non-combustible products.  On July 18, 2017, England’s Department of Health (DoH) announced its long-awaited tobacco control plan to cut smoking rates, which will include an emphasis on the important role e-cigarettes and similar devices can play in smoking cessation and reducing harm.  The DoH recognizes that ceasing smoking is difficult and that many smokers are turning to e-cigarettes to assist them in their efforts.”

“The Tobacco Heating System and other tobacco harm reduction products such as heat-not-burn technology should be allowed into the marketplace.  Not only will lives be saved, money currently being spent on preventable smoking diseases in private healthcare and taxpayer-funded programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, could be redirected to other important healthcare needs or returned to taxpayers.”

Citizens Against Government Waste is the nation's largest nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in government.