Lead-Footed Safety Issues

(Washington Times – Carter Wood, National association of Manufacturers)

It’s a safe bet that no member of Congress has ever given a speech proudly endorsing a bill to close mom-and-pop businesses, hurt low-income shoppers, cause libraries to discard children’s books and ban products ranging from dirt bikes to ballpoint pens.

Last year, Congress overwhelmingly passed a law that did all these things – forcing small businesses to close and punishing manufacturers, retailers and consumers. Yet the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) became law with few warnings – and no congressional floor speeches – about the serious economic harm it would cause.

To be sure, the CPSIA came in response to the public’s legitimate concern about dangerous toys and products, especially those contaminated by lead paint. Reports in 2007 produced a media storm and political pressure. Manufacturers and retailers alike welcomed increased funding and staffing for the CPSC. But Congress went further. Read more here.