U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) and several Senate Republicans have sent a letter to the Treasury Department and the United States Trade Representative (USTR), urging action against illegal shipments and sales of Chinese e-cigarettes in the United States. The senators expressed concern that these products pose health and national security risks, and may be contributing funds to activities of the Chinese Communist Party.
“We write to draw your attention to the growing risks associated with the massive volumes of illicit Chinese e-cigarettes flooding into the United States. We fully support President Trump’s aggressive, multi-agency enforcement actions taken to confront this pressing threat as addressing illegal activity of this magnitude and consequence requires a comprehensive strategy and response. Accordingly, we respectfully urge the Treasury Department and the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to take appropriate action within their respective authorities,” the senators wrote.
The letter was signed by Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Tom Cottom (R-Ark.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Lindsay Graham (R-S.C.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.).
In their message addressed to Secretary Bessent and Ambassador Greer, the senators detailed concerns about China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration exporting hundreds of millions of illegal e-cigarettes each year into the U.S., generating significant revenue that could fund initiatives against American interests. They also referenced federal agency findings linking Chinese manufacturers to Mexican cartels, money laundering operations, and schemes involving fentanyl proceeds.
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network reported that illegal Chinese e-cigarettes are used in trade-based money laundering for moving drug proceeds for Mexican cartels. The Department of Justice and Drug Enforcement Agency have also identified links between smuggled e-cigarettes sold near schools or military installations by foreign nationals.
Additionally, “smart vapes” capable of connecting to users’ cellphones have raised concerns over data breaches or malware infections, with potential threats targeting U.S. military personnel due to connections between Chinese industry and state intelligence services.
The senators called on both agencies to use enforcement and diplomatic tools available: “Given the scale and severity of this threat, we urge the Treasury Department and USTR to use their respective enforcement and diplomatic authorities to combat illegal Chinese e-cigarettes. Whether tackling money laundering operations via FinCEN or negotiating directly with Chinese leaders to prevent future shipments of illegal e-cigarettes, your leadership is necessary to help curtail this growing security risk. We appreciate your consideration and are ready to assist.”
Senator Young has worked on issues including national security, economic growth, housing affordability, veterans’ support, artificial intelligence policy, according to his official website. He serves on Senate committees covering finance; commerce; science; transportation; small business; entrepreneurship; and intelligence matters. Young also played a role in legislation such as the CHIPS and Science Act aimed at increasing domestic semiconductor production.
Young represents Indiana in Washington with multiple district offices statewide as listed online, holds degrees from institutions like the U.S. Naval Academy, University of Chicago, University of London, Indiana University, and previously served as a Marine Corps officer.
