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Friday, July 18, 2008

On Consumer Product Bill, More Work Remains

Yesterday, Reg•Watch asked the question, "Will Congress Wrap Up Consumer Safety Bill?" The answer turned out to be "no," as lawmakers' talks stalled during a meeting intended to finalize a version of a bill to reform the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Lawmakers did agree to set up a publicly searchable consumer product complaint database which was one of the controversial provisions that needed to be worked out.

Other sticking points remain, including a ban on phthalates, extended protections for whistleblowers, and federal preemption of state law. The House and Senate conference committee members hope to meet again next week to hash out the remaining differences.