House Passes Bill by Bono Mack to Ease Lead Law

Legislation introduced by Murrieta's Congresswoman, Rep. Mary Bono Mack, R-Palm Springs, that seeks to reduce regulations on businesses from a 2008 law was passed Monday by the House of Representatives.

The House voted 419-2 to adopt H.R. 2715, a bill giving the Consumer Product Safety Commission greater authority and discretion in enforcing consumer product safety laws.

Notably, the law excludes powersports vehicles from the lead content provisions of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA).

"As a nation, we simply cannot afford to lose jobs or stifle innovation because of questionable regulations," Bono Mack said. "But we also have an obligation to make certain that our children’s toys remain safe."

The bill makes changes to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA), which was hard on small businesses, according to Bono Mack, chairwoman of the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade. 

House Energy and Commerce Committee ranking member Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) came out in favor of the bill and called it a compromise between Republicans and Democrats.

"There are some products that require a small amount of lead to maintain their strength and durability and don’t pose a serious threat to public health or safety," Waxman said.

The bill gives the Consumer Product Safety Commission the flexibility to regulate based on "risk." Bono Mack said it also lessens the burdens imposed on U.S. businesses.

"This bill is a win for everyone. It’s good for American consumers and American businesses and will save American jobs," she said. "I urge the Senate to pass this important and time-sensitive legislation."