Former CPSC Chairman Ann Brown Calls for Emergency Action to Protect Children from Unsafe Toys Before the Holiday Season

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., Nov. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ann Brown, former Chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, today called on President George W. Bush to immediately nominate a new Chairman with a proven track record of dynamic leadership on consumer safety issues. Brown also urged the President to nominate an additional Commissioner for the agency with a similar commitment to keeping consumers safe, so that the agency can be restored to its full power at this critical time. This additional commissioner would replace Acting Chairman Nancy Nord.

"This would help assure the American people that their children's toys will be as safe as possible this holiday season," Brown said.

Brown also asked the President to find and make available additional staff and emergency funds for toy safety inspections and testing in time for Christmas. She called on the President to assign additional federal employees, from the CPSC and elsewhere, to inspect toy stores across the country and toy shipments at key ports to ensure the toys are free from lead, small parts or other hidden hazards. She called for emergency funds to expedite testing of the toys for lead and other dangers.

"With Christmas fast approaching, we have an emergency situation," Brown said. "The President and the Senate should act promptly to protect the safety of America's children. Time is short; the need is now," Brown concluded.