Dems push to ban e-cigs on Capitol grounds

Seven Democratic lawmakers are pushing to ban the use of electronic cigarettes on the grounds of the Capitol complex as part of a wider campaign against them.

Led by the Senate’s second-ranking Democrat, Dick Durbin (Ill.), the group called on rulemaking committees in both chambers to include e-cigarettes in the Capitol’s existing ban on smoking in public places and near building entrances.

{mosads}”Given preliminary [federal] research finding harmful chemicals present in e-cigarettes, measures should be taken to ensure that the public is equally protected from the potential dangers posed by e-cigarettes and their vapor,” the lawmakers wrote Tuesday.

Via a spokesman, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) told The Hill on Wednesday that he would pursue the rules change.

The letter marks the latest in a series of actions by congressional Democrats to curb e-cigarettes.

Four of the seven senators included in Tuesday’s letter accused the Golden Globe awards last month of “glamorizing” e-cigarettes after the show featured two celebrities smoking them, including “Veep” star Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

The same group has also urged the Obama administration to speed up its efforts to crack down on the devices. 

Mostly unregulated at the federal level, the e-cigarettes vaporize a nicotine solution in order to simulate regular smoking.

Supporters say that “vaping” is a healthier alternative to smoking because it leaves out the noxious chemicals found in many conventional cigarettes. Some also say e-cigarettes have helped them quit regular smoking.

But critics argue that the battery-powered devices deliver a more powerful dose of nicotine per puff, posing a serious health risk.

Tuesday’s letter was signed by Sens. Durbin, Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.).