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

DINGELL ON H.R. 4040, THE “CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY MODERNIZATION ACT”

December 19, 2007

Washington, D.C. – Rep. John D. Dingell (D-MI), Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, today joined his colleagues in approving the Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act, which was passed by the House under a suspension of the rules. Chairman Dingell delivered the following statement on the floor of the House of Representatives in support of the bill, which was unanimously approved yesterday by the Committee on Energy and Commerce:

I am pleased to speak today on H.R. 4040, the “Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act.” This landmark piece of bipartisan legislation will reform, reauthorize, and rejuvenate the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Yesterday’s unanimous 51-0 vote to report this bill demonstrates the collaborative effort by all Members of the Committee on Energy and Commerce to craft a common-sense solution to the consumer safety crisis that has received much public attention this year.

Developed with input from government, consumer advocacy groups, and industry stakeholders, H.R. 4040 represents a comprehensive approach to improving consumer safety. Most importantly, this bill contains the first substantial reauthorization of the CPSC in 15 years. I am confident that with increased funding, as well as enhanced tools to verify and enforce the compliance of both domestic and imported consumer products with U.S. laws and regulations, the CPSC will do a much better job of protecting our Nation’s consumers and their children.

I would conclude by offering my thanks and praise to Chairman Rush, as well as my good friends Ranking Members Barton and Stearns, for their leadership in bringing this important bill to the floor. I also commend all of the members of the Committee on Energy and Commerce for their patience, input, and cooperation over the past several months while we have improved H.R. 4040 in Committee. Finally, I’d like to note the fine work of my colleagues Reps. Degette and DeLauro, who have worked tirelessly to improve the bill and keep the issue alive in the public consciousness.

Let me conclude by saying again how proud I am of the bipartisan cooperation that has produced this legislation. I urge my colleagues to vote for its passage.