Toy Safety Senate Hearing

On Wednesday, September 12, 2007, Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man watched the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government hearing on toy safety with keen interest. The purpose of the hearing was to address recent recalls of toys manufactured in China using lead paint.

The Senate panel included: Senator Sam Brownback (R-Kansas), Senator Richard Durbin (D-Illinois), and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota). Testimony to Congress by both federal regulators and toy manufacturers detailed loose Chinese standards and spotty U.S. enforcement that have contributed to a spate of recalls of Chinese-made toys. Appearing before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee included: Nancy Nord – Acting Chairman, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission; Thomas Moore – Commissioner, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission; Carter Keithley – President, Toy Industry Association; Gerald Storch – CEO, Toys “R” US; Robert Eckert – CEO, Mattel; Joe Bhatia – President, American National Standards Institute; and Sally Greenberg – Senior Product Safety Counsel, Consumers Union.

I was extremely interested in this Senate hearing because people (including children) have died from exposure and ingestion of toys that were manufactured in China with lead paint. Also, I learned that excessive shift of manufacturing goods to China has resulted in several concerns with regards to certification, compliance, regulations, standards, testing, etc. Furthermore, I learned that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission does not have enough people, resources and systems to adequately fulfill the mission and responsibilities of the CPSC. The CPSC is overwhelmed and cannot handle the increased workload. The CPSC does not have the funds to work an major issues, such as drowning accidents. Moreover, I recognized that there was candid open discussion of the crisis situation. It was recognized that changes are needed with regards to utilizing certified suppliers, improving and enforcing regulations and standards, increasing the frequency of mandatory testing throughout the supply chain, pursuing new legislation, lifting caps on fines, increasing transparency at the CPSC, improving the auditing of contractors and subcontractors, ensuring prompt recall of products (with newfound economic challenges for smaller retailers), etc.

Furthermore, I was impressed with the conduct and approach of the Senators on the panel. Senator Klobuchar introduced legislation that would treat any lead in children's products as a banned hazardous substance. Senator Brownback expressed concerns with regards to China trade practices and product safety standards. Senator Durbin summarized the hearing with three key points: (1) China failed by manufacturing toys using lead paint, (2) the CPSC failed dues to lack of resources and staffing, and (3) Congress failed to deliver government services.

Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man learned much from the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on toy safety. For instance, Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man has designed a bobble head doll to promote yard safety awareness. Hence, I am very concerned with the toy safety of a yard safety promotional item. Also, I recognize that there is room for improvement with regards to yard safety. In addition, I learned that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission might not have enough resources to focus on yard safety related issues, product testing, etc.

Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man is here today so that yard accidents go away. Be yard safe!

Richard T. Mudrinich
Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man
http://www.rescuerick.com/