US Senator John Fetterman continued to raise eyebrows as he once again spoke out against a leader of his own party.
The Pennsylvania Democrat came out on the side of “more freedom” as he spoke to reporters about Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's efforts to ban Zyn, a tobacco-free nicotine pouch.
In comments this week, Schumer called the product a “bag full of problems” and urged the Federal Trade Commission and the Food and Drug Administration to take action.
“So today, I'm putting out a warning to parents because these nicotine pouches seem to be locking down their sites on toddlers, teenagers and even younger kids. And then use social media to hook them up,” said the Nova Democrat York at a press conference.
“The nanny state is alive and well with today's Democratic Party,” the Senate Republicans' campaign arm posted on X after Schumer's comments.
Joe Biden wants to ban menthol cigarettes.
Chuck Schumer wants to ban Zyn.
The nanny state is alive and well with today's Democratic Party. pic.twitter.com/fVkYaRny5Z
— Senate Republicans (@NRSC) January 23, 2024
And Fetterman seemed to agree that there are “bigger issues” that lawmakers need to address.
“When I have a decision, I'm going to err on the side of more freedom and personal choice on these kinds of things,” he told reporters Thursday. “And I made the same argument when I wanted to legalize marijuana.”
“More than half a million Americans die each year from smoking and tobacco, or tens of thousands die from alcohol,” the senator continued.
“I think there are bigger issues to address than this product,” he added.
“I don't support it, and I would never support tobacco or chewing tobacco, but it's available,” he said. “We all have these kinds of things and we should have adults who have the options to make them available.”
After Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer calls for crackdown on Zyn nicotine pouches, Sen. John Fetterman says, 'I'm going to err on the side of freedom and personal choice.' Of course, keep them away from children, she adds. pic.twitter.com/0GEtIHKpau
— Grady Trimble (@Grady_Trimble) January 25, 2024
Schumer's claims were addressed by a statement from Phillip Morris International.
“Philip Morris International and its affiliates, including Swedish Match, the manufacturer of ZYN, fully comply with and exceed the regulations governing the industry,” the company said.
“Our marketing practices, which prohibit the use of social media influencers, focus on preventing access by minors and set the benchmark for the industry. Real-world evidence shows that this approach it works. The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FDA show that underage nicotine patch use remains exceptionally low,” he added.
Meanwhile, with Fetterman once again going against the narrative of his fellow Democrats, many on social media were excited to see the lawmaker speak “common sense.”
the red pilling of @SenFettermanPA keep going, while it hurts @SenSchumerthe repression #ZYN:
“I will err on the side of more freedom […] there are bigger issues to address.”
Welcome to the team, Joan pic.twitter.com/EnXLNaCyfv
— Blayne v. (@blaynecs) January 25, 2024
I love it, admittedly I was wrong about this guy, but he seems to be wide awake these days!
— Debbie Metzler (@BrissonMetzler) January 26, 2024
It's like pretending to be a socialist in order to get elected and push for constitutional rights…
The complete opposite of what we should be dealing with
— John Kinsman (@johnny_shodfoot) January 25, 2024
Props to Fetterman for standing up for personal responsibility and freedom.
— Timothy Mayers (@TimxMayor) January 26, 2024
“Er on the side of more freedom… and personal choice.” Cursed
If you had asked me 1 year ago about him, I would have answered with
snark but now… This guy makes more sense than all the Democrats and more than most RINOS in Congress.It's even doing better than SCOTUS!#freedom
— Paul Revere (@revere2016) January 26, 2024
I keep saying this, but the most amazing thing about the last 6 months is #Fetterman Get MENTAL HELP and instantly become a conservative after… https://t.co/L1TO1e63qf
– (@Emilio2763) January 26, 2024
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