Statement of Congressman John D. Dingell, Chairman
Committee on Energy and Commerce

COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE
MARKUP OF H.R. 4040, THE “CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY MODERNIZATION ACT” AND H.R. 1216, THE “CAMERON GULBRANSEN KIDS AND CARS SAFETY ACT OF 2007”

December 13, 2007

Today the Committee will move a step closer toward strengthening consumer protection laws and the safety of products used by Americans, especially children.

H.R. 4040, the “Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act”, reauthorizes an overhaul of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for the first time in 15 years. I am proud of the bipartisan collaboration that has produced H.R. 4040. I thank Chairman Rush and Ranking Members Barton and Stearns for their leadership in guiding this bill through our Committee. I also commend Rep. DeGette, the Committee’s Vice Chair, for her dedication to, and leadership on, consumer product safety.

In simple terms, H.R. 4040 is a common-sense solution to the consumer safety crisis that has received much public attention this year. Developed by the Committee with input from government, consumer advocacy, and industry stakeholders, the bill better protects our Nation’s consumers and their children. I will offer a bipartisan manager’s amendment to further improve H.R. 4040, which will address many of the outstanding issues raised by our colleagues, in particular Reps. Markey, Wynn, Waxman, Schakowsky, Butterfield, Terry, and Burgess.

I note to the Committee that the manager’s amendment contains no title relating to single-product issues. Chairman Rush, Ranking Members Barton and Stearns, and I believe consumers are better served by keeping this bill focused on the daunting task of reforming the CPSC. Nevertheless, I share the concern that certain single products require tighter regulations and standards. Many of these issues will be raised in the Committee report, and I assure my colleagues, and the public, that this Committee will press the Commission to issue product specific standards and implore it to move quickly, when necessary to preserve consumer safety.

The Committee will also consider H.R. 1216, a bill to improve motor vehicle safety specifically with respect to children. Rep. Schakowsky will offer a carefully-crafted substitute amendment that represents a broad-based consensus. I commend her for producing an amendment that satisfies the concerns of safety advocates, vehicle manufacturers, and families who have been tragically affected by the accidents this legislation targets. This effort would not be possible without the support of Ranking Members Barton and Stearns and Subcommittee Chairman Rush. I also commend Sen. Clinton for her work on this issue in the other body. It is a good amendment and a good bill, and I urge its swift passage.

Let me conclude by again thanking all who participated in bringing these bills before the Committee today. Our efforts will produce significant legislative accomplishments to ensure a safer future for American consumers and their children.