“So far this year, a record 25 million toys have been recalled for hazards ranging from dangerously small magnets, to excessive levels of toxic lead, to other choking dangers. This spate of recalls has raised considerable doubt – particularly during the holiday season - about the quality of the products we buy as well as the measures in place to safeguard consumers from purchasing them in the first place. 

 

“In the wake of this year’s recalls, the 110th Congress has used our oversight powers to hold hearings and investigate holes in the nation’s consumer product safety net. A significant part of the problem lies with the Bush Administration’s lack of attention to the Consumer Safety Protection Commission (CPSC), where budget cuts and drastic workforce reductions have left the agency with only one inspector charged with testing toys to make sure they are safe for our children. This is simply unacceptable.

 

“Already, Congress has acted to strengthen the CPSC, increasing its funding by 27 percent and boosting the agency’s workforce by 5 percent.  And today, under the leadership of Chairman John Dingell and Congressman Bobby Rush, Congress has acted to repair the consumer product safety net by passing the Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act.

 

“Among its key reforms, the legislation will require more stringent testing of children’s products, enhance the recall authority of the CPSC, and provide the agency with the necessary resources to protect America’s families, including improved testing and research facilities for imported goods. In addition, the legislation will take the important step of banning lead from children’s toys. 

 

“This Congress has made the protection of our children a top priority. By passing the Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act and continuing vigorous Congressional oversight, we will work to make certain the toys and products we give our children are safe in their hands.”