Friends and foes in high places – how vaping plays on Capitol Hill

Scorekeepers in Washington could say 2018 has been an unproductive year for the vaping industry in the US Congress. While attempts have been made both to free e-cigarettes from regulation and to impose more, none has made much progress.

But who are vaping’s friends and enemies in the two houses, and what efforts are they making?

Opponents are successfully using children to sway public interest against tobacco alternatives. The evidence appears in media across the country and proposed legislation on Capitol Hill.

In addition, Cole-Bishop amendment language in the agriculture appropriations bill did not include a grandfather clause for vape products.

All in all, some in the industry could be wondering how many friends they have left in the corridors of power.