A coalition of leading Senate Republicans is pressing the administration to treat the ongoing influx of illicit Chinese-made vaping products as both a national security and criminal threat, warning that the devices go far beyond public health concerns and now intersect with espionage, money laundering and cartels. 

In a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, GOP lawmakers, including Sens. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), called out what they describe as a “flood of illicit Chinese e-cigarettes” entering U.S. markets with minimal oversight. They point out some devices can connect to users’ cellphones, potentially collecting sensitive data and creating vulnerabilities that could be exploited by the Chinese Communist Party or criminal networks. 

The lawmakers wrote that the devices “have the capacity to initiate data breaches or malware infections” and warned that “given the interconnected relationship between Chinese industry and state intelligence services … the targeting of U.S. military personnel with these devices raises profound national security concerns.” They also stressed that “the magnitude and consequence requires a comprehensive strategy and response” from federal agencies to counter illicit entry and distribution.

The letter underscores that these products pose a multifaceted threat that needs a whole of government response. 

The senators also point to evidence of illicit vape profits tied to cartel money-laundering schemes, including fentanyl proceeds, and urge enhanced customs enforcement, financial intelligence operations, and diplomatic pressure on source countries to stem the tide. 

This letter follows Reporter coverage of GOP concern over illicit nicotine products and broader public safety debates around unauthorized vapes in U.S. markets.