JOINS CHAIRMEN JOHN DINGELL AND BOBBY RUSH, RANKING MEMBER JOE BARTON ON COMPREHENSIVE REFORM BILL

Washington, Nov 1, 2007 - This year has witnessed an unprecedented recall of children's products, especially imported toys tainted with lead," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "In addition, we see an Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) working to safeguard 15,000 types of consumer products. It is clear that we need to protect our children from lead-tainted products and to reform the CPSC so that it can fulfill its vital mission."

Stearns today joined in offer bi-partisan legislation that would ban lead toys, update consumer safety provisions, and empower the CPSC to better overseer the safety of consumer products. Chairman of the Energy & Commerce Committee John Dingell (D-MI), Chairman of the Commerce, Trade & Consumer Protection Subcommittee Bobby Rush (D-IL), and the Ranking Republican of the Energy & Commerce Committee Joe Barton (R-TX) joined with Stearns in offering the Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act.

This measure would ban children's products containing lead, mandate third party testing for children's products, and require clear warnings about small parts and other hazards. In addition, the Act would authorize increased funding for the CPSC through 2011, impose stricter public reporting standards on products deemed a risk, authorize the CPSC to require additional media notifications as appropriate, and provides for information sharing with federal, state, local, and foreign governments.

Explained Stearns, "Not only does this bill have bi-partisan support within the Committee, it was developed with the input of the Acting Chair of the CPSC Nancy Nord and CPSC Commissioner Thomas Moore; these consumer groups, the Consumer Federation of America, Consumers Union, US PIRG, Safe Kids, American Academy of Pediatricians, and Union of Concerned Scientists; and these industry representatives, the National Association of Manufacturers, Retail Industry Leaders Association, Toy Industry Association, Juvenile Product Manufacturing Association, Consumer Specialty Products Association, ATV/Power Tool Institute, and Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers."