REP. ANDREWS BACKS PLAN TO MAKE TOYS SAFER, PROTECT CONSUMERS

I am pleased to announce that earlier this week I joined a majority in the House of Representatives in support of a plan to make toys safer and protect consumers. The Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act was approved by the House on Wednesday.

Parents shouldn’t have to worry about toxic toys under the tree this Holiday season. Our legislation responds to the toy safety crisis, creates the toughest lead standard in the world for children’s products and helps ensure consumers know when products are recalled.

The Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act bans lead beyond a minute amount in products intended for children under 12 years old, mandates third-party testing of children’s products and requires mandatory safety standards for products like cribs and high chairs.

The legislation also requires new labels to aid in the recall of children’s products and prohibits companies from exporting products that have been recalled or violate product safety rules.

Finally, the legislation strengthens the currently underfunded and understaffed Consumer Product Safety Commission. The bill significantly increases CPSC resources to hire additional staff and for laboratory renovations, including $20 million to modernize the testing lab.  The legislation also creates a new power for the CPSC to immediately share information about dangerous products with the public and ensures State public health agencies are kept informed.

For too long, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has failed to protect the American consumer. The bill we passed today will help give this important commission the tools it needs to keep us safe. 

Return to the Washington Updates Page