Durbin backs federal law to raise smoking age to 21 May 13, 2019 | Federal Government, Top Stories U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., has joined the push to raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco products to 21.To access this content, you must purchase 1 Year Health News Illinois Subscription or 1 Year Group Subscription - Up to 5 Users, or log in if you are a member.