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(November 1, 2007) Lipinski Helps Introduce Bill to Protect Americans from Unsafe Products |
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Lipinski Helps Introduce Bill to Protect Americans from Unsafe Products
Congressman Criticizes Bush Administration for Lax Enforcement of Consumer Protections
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Dan Lipinski (D-IL) joined Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) in introducing comprehensive consumer protection legislation, the Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act. This legislation takes a number of steps to improve the safety of consumer goods, especially those intended for children, and strengthens the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which is the independent federal agency charged with verifying the safety of products sold in the United States.
In the last several months, products such as children's jewelry and toys have been recalled after they were found to contain dangerous amounts of lead. And over 1 million defective cribs were recalled after causing the deaths of at least three infants. All of these products were manufactured in China. In fact, over 21 million products manufactured in China have been deemed dangerous and recalled since this summer.
"Due to irresponsible trade policies and the Bush Administration's lax enforcement of consumer protections, faulty and dangerous goods from China and elsewhere are entering our homes putting Americans and especially children at risk," said Rep. Lipinski. "The legislation we are introducing today will strengthen consumer protection law and help prevent future tragedies caused by unsafe products."
Among other things, the Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act bans any children's product that contains more than trace amounts of lead and mandates independent third-party safety testing of all products intended for children. The act also contains a number of provisions that will aid in timely and complete recalls of products already on the market if they are found to be unsafe or faulty. This legislation also provides robust funding for the Consumer Product Safety Commission to ensure that the agency is able to effectively carry out its mission of protecting the American public from unsafe products.
"At a time when reports of recalls and unsafe products are surfacing daily, action is needed now to protect American consumers," said Rep. Lipinski. "Parents should not have to wonder whether the crib or toy they bought for their child is safe and America's trade partners should not be allowed to sell us unsafe goods. I will continue to work to protect consumers and fight against trade laws that leave Americans vulnerable to unsafe products and unfair competition."
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