A United States Congressman started smoking an e-cigarette during the middle of a debate about an anti-vaping law. Representative Duncan Hunter (R-CA) took a puff on a vaping device during a discussion about legislation to ban vaping on airplanes. The bill was passed but the California Republican argued that vaping represents the future and that prohibiting e-cigs on airlines would be a vote against freedom.

Like Us on Facebook

During the debate Hunter made some controversial claims including that vaping could help smokers to quit the habit. In the past he also stated that the alternative to cigarettes could save his life, according to The Verge.

However, Duncan admitted that more research is needed on vaping. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reported that consumers do not know the possible health risks of electronic cigarettes, how much nicotine is breathed in, or whether they provide any health benefits.  

As Hunter smoked the electronic gadget one congressman waved off the cloud from his vaporizer.  

The bill was proposed by Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) in the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She argued the ban should be added to the three-decade ban on cigarettes in airplane cabins.

In addition, Norton stated the new ban would also complement one that prohibits putting e-cigarettes in checked baggage. The reason is fire prevention.

However, Hunter opposed the proposed bill. He uses a nicotine vaporizer to help him quit smoking, and argued the gadgets should be allowed on airlines.

Hunter pointed out that e-cigs involve no burning. He also argued that they produced no gases that would be harmful to people.

Some members of Congress pointed out that some vaping flavors are scented. Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR) voted for the bill and fought to ban cigarettes on airplanes decades ago.

Meanwhile Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA) opposed the proposed bill. He argued that if lawmakers tried to pass laws against "moist air," they would later try to ban hot air, body odor, and bad breath.

Norton's amendment was passed on a 33-26 vote, according to USA Today. She explained that she was surprised by the margin between those who supported and opposed the legislation.

The first e-cigarette was developed in in 2003 by a Chinese pharmacist. He reportedly invented the device after his father died of lung cancer.

This video takes up if e-cigs are dangerous: