(KANSAS CITY, MO) – During a press conference on Tuesday, Congressman Dennis Moore (Third District – Kansas) and Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (Fifth District – Missouri) discussed several efforts to protect our children from toys containing lead-based paint and other hazardous materials. Over 25 million toys, primarily ones made in China, have been recalled for excessive lead levels or because the toys were gravely dangerous if used and played with by children.

"The Consumer Product Safety Commission must be forced to recognize that it’s time to take the lead out," said Congressman Cleaver. "Our children’s health is worth far more than corporate wealth."

With the busiest holiday shopping day of the year approaching, the Congressmen urged parents to find out more about this important issue by visiting www.recalls.gov and learn what steps they can take to ensure the safety of their children. "The word today is vigilance," reiterated Congressman Cleaver.

"We've heard about recalled toys many times over the last few months. As the holidays approach, people wonder how they can protect themselves and their families from hazardous imports," said Rob Schneider, Director of State Campaigns for Consumers Union. "Consumers Union launched www.NotInMyCart.org so consumers can learn what they can do to be sure what they are buying is safe."

Cleaver and Moore also highlighted legislation they are cosponsoring to expand and improve the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the organization responsible for overseeing the testing of children’s products. Until now, all the toy recalls that Americans have experienced have been voluntary and initiated by the manufacturer – they have not been enforced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

H.R. 4040, the Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act, establishes an outline for improving and reforming the nation’s consumer product safety system, including increased funds and staffing for the CPSC, a nationwide ban on products containing lead beyond specified minute amounts, third-party testing and certification for children’s products, and mandatory tracking labels for children’s products.

"Imports of consumer goods to our country have increased by 338% since 1974, the year the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) was created. But the budget for that agency today is less than half what it was in 1974," said Rep. Moore. "Our children deserve better. We must do all we can to ensure that safe toys, safe food, and safe medicine are available to our children."

H.R. 4040 is currently awaiting final approval by the House Energy and Commerce Committee and is expected to be considered by the full House in December.