I am deeply concern about the recent recalls of imported products from foreign countries. I am committed to protecting the health and safety of American consumers to the greatest extent possible. To that end, I continue to work to see that our country is provided with safe and contaminant-free products.

In an effort to address these matters, I have cosponsored the SAFE Consumer Product Act (H.R. 3691). H.R. 3691 seeks to reauthorize and reform the Consumer Product Safety Act and, in addition to providing for an increase of approximately $13.6 million in funding for the U.S. Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC) in Fiscal Year 2008, would also enhance CPSC recall and inspection authority; expedite recall disclosure to the public; require children’s products to undergo independent third-party testing; and ban lead in children’s products.

I have also agreed to cosponsor the Human and Pet Food Safety Act (H.R. 2108). H.R. 2108 seeks to enhance the safety of food in the United States and contains a provision which would give the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authority to inspect food products overseas prior to their importation to the United States. Both H.R. 2108 and H.R. 3691 are awaiting consideration by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and I continue to press for their passage.