Senate Passes Strict New Consumer Safety Bill

By Sophia Brink

Published on March 07, 2008

The measure is in response to the spate of recalls last year involving Chinese-made products. Recalled items included everything from baby toys containing lead paint to poisoned pet food and tainted toothpaste.

In addition to raising the maximum possible fine for manufacturers to $20 million, as well as requiring that toys be tested by an independent third party, the bill contains disputed provisions. These provisions are absent from the bill passed by the House of Representatives last year and are opposed by the Bush administration.

One such provision would expand whistleblower protections, allowing whistleblowers who claim that they were fired or otherwise punished to file lawsuits against their employers. Another disputed provision would require the Consumer Product Safety Commission to create a database of complaints consumers have made to the agency.

Meanwhile, representatives from the House contend that the Senate bill lacks important consumer safety provisions that were included in the House’s version.

The differences between the Senate’s version of the consumer safety bill and the House’s version must be resolved before the bill can be sent to the president.

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