Barack Obama: Congress Must Protect Children From Lead-Contaminated Toys

September 19, 2007 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement on today’s hearing on lead-contaminated toys at the House Subcommittee on Commerce Trade, and Consumer Protection. Earlier today, Consumer Product Safety Commissioners Nancy Nord and Thomas Moore, and Mattel, Inc. CEO Robert Eckert testified on the recent recalls of millions of lead-contaminated toys. In April, Obama reintroduced the Lead Free Toys Act of 2007 (S.1306), which he originally introduced in December 2005. This legislation would provide the CPSC with the authority to ban children’s products containing lead as hazardous substances.

“Lead-contaminated toys have endangered millions of our country’s children,” said Senator Obama. “The safety of our children is a top priority, and we must take every necessary step to protect them from these dangerous products. This challenge requires Congress to do more than just increase agency funding – we must demand meaningful and innovative solutions to prevent lead-contaminated toys from crossing our borders. I appreciate Congressman Rush’s leadership on this issue, and look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to find a solution to this problem.”

Below are Senator Obama’s previous efforts on lead-contaminated toys:

* Obama called on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee to investigate toy recalls caused by lead paint. September 5, 2007. RELEASE

* Obama raised concerns with manufacturer about lead-contaminated toys. August 24, 2007. RELEASE

* Obama called on President Bush to take immediate action on the lead-contaminated toys issue. August 15, 2007. RELEASE

* Obama worked to ensure the U.S. Trade Representative raised concerns over lead-tainted toys with the Chinese government. August 14, 2007. RELEASE

* Obama raised concerns about lead-contaminated toys with the Toy Industry Association president. August 9, 2007. RELEASE

* Obama urged the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee to move forward with the Lead Free Toys Act of 2007. August 3, 2007. RELEASE

* Obama announced legislation that would ban children’s products containing lead. April 4, 2007. RELEASE

* Obama asked Congress to deliver law banning lead toys before holiday season. December 1, 2005. RELEASE

Source: Senator Barack Obama

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