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Consumer Product Bill Clears Hurdle

December 18, 2007
DeGette Praises Energy and Commerce Committee Approval Clearing Way for Full House Consideration

WASHINGTON, D.C. – With Holiday shopping at full throttle, the HouseCommittee on Energy and Commerce today approved comprehensive consumerproduct safety legislation – H.R. 4040, the Consumer Product Modernization Act of 2007.Energy and Commerce Committee Vice Chair Diana DeGette, an originalcosponsor of the legislation, applauded its approval saying, "Congressis taking critical steps in ensuring the safety of the Americanconsumer."

"As American consumers rush to finish theirHoliday shopping, today Congress made a strong start towards protectingAmericans from defective products we bring into our homes. As publicconfidence eroded in our federal agencies tasked with the mission ofensuring the safety of our products, the Majority responded promptly bydeveloping comprehensive consumer product safety legislation that beefsup the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), bans lead in toys,and requires independent, third-party testing of consumer products.

"While it is imperative the CPSC have the tools and resources to carryout its mission, Congress is moving quickly to strengthen its authorityand restore public confidence. Having introduced my own legislation inSeptember, H.R. 3691, the SAFE Consumer Product Act,that addressed the failures of the CPSC, I am proud to have worked withthe Committee to adopt many of the provisions I outlined.

"The consumer product safety legislation approved unanimously today bymy Committee is a move in the right direction for both the Americanconsumer and the products they purchase."

The measure must now be considered by the full House of Representatives.