Richard Blumenthal

Thank you, Senator Blumenthal

I look forward to continuing to work with members of this committee on these important issues.

I call on the FTC to investigate unfair and deceptive marketing practices of Juul and other e-cigarette manufacturers.

When I think of toxic marketing, nothing comes to mind more readily than Big Tobacco, and the simple fact is that Juul has taken a page from Big Tobacco's playbook.

This hearing will remain open for two weeks, the record will remain open.

I will turn to the Ranking Member.

This hearing has really been excellent.

The appeal to them essentially is to lure them into lifetimes of addiction, and smoking eventually, and disease.

Claims related to health benefits or cessation are totally unsubstantiated.

To protect youth, it is so important all flavors, including menthol, should be banned from all tobacco products.

The glamorization and glorification of tobacco use, making it cool, hip, appealing to kids, we are seeing again now in Juul.

They are using the same deceptive practices on the FDA that it has used on teens and the public.

As a matter of public health policy, protecting teens from nicotine addiction is of the utmost importance.

I think your plea to us in the Congress is very, very well taken. It does require a partnership.

Make no mistake, Juul cares nothing about preserving the integrity of science and evidence.

There is no way, in my view, that the FDA can approve this product in good conscience, given its deceptive marketing practices and its pitches and promotions to children.

Shouldn't they be better informed?

I want to pursue Senator Markey's line of questioning.

My advice to a company in terms of reporting cyber incidents would be to report to CISA.

Have you found that there is more of an inclination to report instances of cyber attacks now than before?

I think one of the reasons there isn't more reporting is that there isn't more reporting.

Normally in the United States one of our great advantages is we have norms and rules and laws that are enforceable, in fact are enforced.

It has to be radically reformed. It must be reformed to do voting rights, and other critical legislation.

I am persuaded we need to abolish or radically reform the filibuster.

I think we have a historic opportunity.