The U.S. Senate has included $200 million in funding to combat the influx of illicit Chinese-made vapes as part of a recent appropriations bill. The measure, titled the “Ensuring the Necessary Destruction (END) of Illicit Chinese Tobacco Act,” aims to disrupt the pipeline of unauthorized e-cigarettes that officials describe as both a national security and public health concern.
Chad Wolf, former acting Homeland Security secretary, stated that the funding “sends a clear message to the China that the U.S. is serious about protecting our borders and our kids.” The bill, introduced by Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) with bipartisan support, passed as part of the broader legislative package to fund and reopen the federal government for fiscal year 2026.
Senator Cornyn asserted, “China is raking in the dough at the expense of American teens and young adults by lining U.S. shelves with illegal vapes and e-cigarettes.” He added that the legislation will “crack down on China’s counterfeit cash cow” and extend the FDA’s authority to destroy these dangerous imported products.
The city of Shenzhen, China, is the primary source of vapes entering the U.S. A significant discrepancy exists between export and import data; in 2024, China exported over $3.6 billion in vapes to the U.S., but U.S. customs figures show only $333 million were officially received, suggesting widespread mislabeling and smuggling. The FDA has noted that unauthorized vapes often arrive disguised as items like shoes and toys. The Trump administration has promised a crackdown, with FDA Commissioner Marty Makary vowing to stop illegal imports. Attorney General Pam Bondi recently highlighted a $34 million seizure of unauthorized vapes in Chicago, stating, “These illegal and unregulated products are not safe… Chinese companies are making millions off these products.”
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