Mark Pryor

I applauded your efforts. In December 2008, though, I began to read the fine print.

It's--does that mean children are more susceptible to it?

We recognize that, you know, this law on the books probably needs to be looked at again.

When you and your members contact the CPSC about this issue, is it your perception that they're listening, that they're trying to work with you?

Thank you, Chairman Pryor, for having me before this committee today. It's an honor.

And one of the things I think you've talked about is zipper testing. Have there been problems with zippers having high lead content?

Right. So, tell us about the cumulative aspect of----

I want to thank all the panelists.

The Commission has taken the lead role in the world to go and make sure that those products coming into the U.S. are safe.

The central focus of the agency's time and resources in both 2009 and 2010 has been on implementing a law that has almost nothing to do with improving safety--the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, or CPSIA.

But, I guess the idea would be, if you can lessen the load, especially in children's products----

Many parts of the law have no flexibility in there.

I think, that was missing from that discussion was a context of what life was like before two things happened: before we passed the CPSIA and before Chairman Tenenbaum came on board.

Your input is very important.

And, as we alluded to before, there'll probably be some other dialogue that happens here, not just in the next couple of weeks, but over the next few months, I'm sure.

So, based on, you know, your area of practice, are you seeing fewer injuries to children, based on children's products?

Part of the CPSIA was to increase the staff level so that the Consumer Product Safety Commission staff could do more research.

I want to thank my fellow Senators for joining us today.

Product safety standards that work best are those that are created through a transparent and predictable process.

This is a timely discussion, in light of the current holiday shopping season.

We thank Chairman Pryor for the important leadership role he has played on product safety issues.

I must say that yesterday I went on the NHTSA website to look up--I have a 19--I mean--excuse me--I have a 2003 Ford Taurus.

We really appreciate your time and your attention to these very important issues.

We all know that small business is the driving force in our economy so this important hearing, I am glad we are having it.

I cannot imagine any good public policy reason for that total lack of transparency.