WASHINGTON - Sen. John Kerry issued the following statement today in response to a new set of regulations proposed by the Food and Drug
Administration. Kerry has been working with Senate colleagues to
encourage the FDA to take strong steps to improve misleading labeling, a lack of standards and questions about toxicity in sunscreens.

"Today's proposal to create a useful rating system is a good step that
is long overdue," Kerry said. "Everyday parents buy sunscreen to protect
their children from skin cancer and sun damage but we know very little
about the impact or effectiveness of many lotions and sprays. I urge the
FDA to finalize this rule quickly and provide consumers with the
confidence that these products do what they claim."

More than a year ago, Congress approved new regulations calling for the FDA to set comprehensive, mandatory sunscreen safety standards. Kerry is working on a letter with colleagues urging the FDA to finalize the rule as soon as possible.