CPSIA: Durbin Points Finger, Makes Party Proud

admin — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 10:45:00 +0000

Another week goes by with no action from Congress to fix the CPSIA. BUT, we did see yet another fiery, indignant letter from Congressional Democrats blaming the CPSC and, specifically, (Republican) Acting Chairwoman Nancy Nord for poor implementation and her “recent comments, which grossly mischaracterize the law”. I swear that woman must have a target tattooed on her forehead. Interestingly, in his 3/27 letter, Senator Durbin blasts Nord for her characterization of the problems with the CPSIA, while praising the work of the Commission career staff, apparently he failed to notice that the letter was actually written by the career staff – a wise move on the part of Nord, obviously aware that her own opinion would be politicized.

I’m not interested in making this a partisan issue (full disclosure: I’m a registered Democrat, though I consider myself Independent) but it has become clear to me that Congress’s inaction is all about politics. It’s not that I’m clairvoyant, or even particularly insightful: they have made it painfully clear, in their own words, that all they are interested in is the removal of Nancy Nord from the CPSC, and replacing her with a Democrat appointee.

So I must ask – if Congress (backed up by lobbyists responsible for this law) really believes the CPSC/Nord is the problem, why not take the reins and hand them an amendment as specific as the law itself? How about turning some of that righteous indignation into action? Stick it to ‘em! I think we’ve seen what the CPSC has to offer in the way of solution (next to nothing), but Congress has failed to offer even that much. In fact, Democrats (with few but notable exceptions listed below*) appear incapable of any action beyond angry letters that deflect responsibility.

Take heart, and take action. The “Amend the CPSIA” rally is this Wednesday, 4/1 in DC. If you can’t be there in person, check out the website now and send in your story, find out how to get involved, and don’t miss the LIVE web cast of the public hearing, which starts at 10:00am EST on Wednesday.

*Worth noting: Democrats who have taken action to fix the CPSIA are few but deserve praise for bucking party pressure:

Senator Jon Tester sponsored S. 608
Rep. Jim Cooper cosponsored H.R. 968
Rep. Bobby Bright cosponsored H.R. 1027
Rep. Brad Ellsworth sponsored H.R. 1465
Rep. Earl Pomeroy cosponsored H.R. 1587
Rep. Dingell made inquiry to CPSC

Perhaps they didn’t get the memo?

Way to Bow! » Senator Durbin

CPSIA: Durbin Points Finger, Makes Party Proud