DeLauro Calls for Resignation of Nancy Nord

Press Release

DeLauro Calls for Resignation of Nancy Nord

Despite Recalls, Top Product Safety Official Says No Additional Staff, Resources, or Authorities Needed

Washington , D.C. - With almost weekly recalls, Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) joined with Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Members of the House Democratic Leadership to announce efforts to strengthen product and toy safety. And in light of Consumer Product Safety Commission Chair Nancy Nord rebuffing efforts to strengthen the agency's funding and resources, DeLauro called for Nord's resignation.

"It is long past time for Consumer Product Safety Commission Chair Nancy Nord's resignation. Her dismissal of efforts to strengthen the agency she leads demonstrates her disinterest in protecting consumers. This is about the health and well-being of our children," stated DeLauro. "If Acting Chairwoman Nord is clearly unwilling to do the job that she has been entrusted with, the American people deserve someone better. I believe it is time for Ms. Nord to resign immediately from her role as Acting Chair of the CPSC. Furthermore, this administration must move quickly fill all open positions on the Commission with experienced professionals capable of putting consumer safety first."

DeLauro has advocated for strengthening and improving the mandate of the Consumer Product Safety Act in regulating consumer products, and has introduced the only comprehensive reform legislation in the House, The SAFE Consumer Product Act (click here for a summary of the bill) - many of which will be incorporated into comprehensive product safety legislation moving through the House in the coming weeks. This legislation enjoys the support of consumer advocacy groups including the Consumer's Union, American Academy of Pediatricians, U.S. PIRG, the Home Safety Council, Voices for America 's Children, and the Consumer Federation of America

Continued DeLauro, "We need decisive action when it comes to consumer products: I was proud to introduce comprehensive product safety legislation last month that now enjoys the support of over 130 of colleagues. I look forward to working with Chairmen Dingell and Rush, all of my colleagues here, and the New Majority as we work to require children's products to undergo independent third-party testing; enhance the CPSC's recall and inspection authority; expedite recall disclosure to the public; and ban lead in children's products.

"There is real momentum for reform and the common thread is our renewed commitment to protect public health and ensure consumer confidence. What is this administration waiting for? The American people are ready for a New Direction. The government has an obligation to its citizens. It is that simple. With the holidays just around the corner and toys at the top of every child's wish list, we cannot afford to wait any longer."

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