As Attorney General for Arkansas, I spearheaded an effort to pass the Child Product Safety Act in 2001. Under this law, we developed a website, www.childproductsafety.com, for the state of Arkansas to provide parents with an easy resource to identify unsafe children's products. It also required day-care centers to check their toys and other equipment against the list. The Department of Human Services could revoke or refuse to renew licenses based on the information from an inspection. However, in order for resources such as the website to work effectively, the CPSC must first be on its game.

That’s why, as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs, I am working to rebuild the CPSC. This agency must be strong enough to protect consumers from everyday products already on the shelves, and also keep up with emerging technologies and increasing counterfeit and dangerous imports. I have introduced the Consumer Product Safety Commission Reform Act of 2007, which will enhance product safety by increasing the CPSC’s budget and the number of agents at U.S. ports of entry, updating dilapidated testing facilities and banning the use of lead in all children’s products.

While many companies are taking responsible steps to test products and restore their reputation following major recalls, my bill encourages all companies to place consumer safety above their bottom line. It calls for increased civil and criminal penalties and mandated third party safety certification on children’s products. I’ve also included strong whistleblower protections for employees to report problems along the supply chain – from the factory floor to our ports of entry.

We can prevent toxic toys and other harmful products from entering our homes through meaningful reform, and I am committed to swift action on this matter.