EXCLUSIVE: Rep. Julia Letlow vows to continue crackdown on illegal Chinese vapes in the Senate

Rep. Julia Letlow (R., La.), who is poised to become a leading conservative in the U.S. Senate, says combating the flood of illegal Chinese-made vaping products will remain one of her top priorities if elected.

In a recent interview with the Washington Reporter, Letlow said she plans to continue the work she began in the House to crack down on illicit vape products that she argues threaten children, undercut American businesses, and expose weaknesses at the nation’s borders.

“I’ve fought to crack down on illegal Chinese-made vapes because they’re targeting our children, undermining American businesses, and too often entering our country illegally,” Letlow told the Reporter’s Matthew Foldi. “That’s a public health issue, a border security issue, and a national security issue. I’ll continue leading that fight in the U.S. Senate and work to keep these dangerous products out of our communities.”

Letlow has been one of Congress’ most outspoken advocates for stronger enforcement against illegal vaping products manufactured in China. She has introduced legislation aimed at strengthening enforcement and has repeatedly warned that bad actors are exploiting gaps in federal oversight to flood the U.S. market with unauthorized products.

The comments reinforce that the issue will remain a priority should Letlow join the Senate, where Republicans are expected to continue pressing the Trump administration to strengthen enforcement against illicit imports and better protect American manufacturers.

The Reporter has previously covered Letlow’s Senate campaign and the growing support behind her candidacy, as well as her leadership on efforts to stop illegal Chinese vape products from entering the United States.

Conservatives point out that illicit Chinese vape manufacturers routinely evade FDA requirements, customs enforcement, and taxes while marketing products designed to appeal to young consumers. They also warn that the products represent another example of China’s efforts to exploit weaknesses in the U.S. regulatory system while disadvantaging American companies.

If elected, Letlow would arrive in the Senate with an established record on the issue and appears intent on making it one of her signature priorities.

“I’ll continue leading that fight in the U.S. Senate,” Letlow said, “and work to keep these dangerous products out of our communities.”