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CU calls for greater funds, oversight of CPSC, FTC


Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Consumers Union Calls For Greater Funds, Oversight for CPSC, FTC to Protect Consumers
Testimony before House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services Underscores Challenges Facing Agencies

(Washington, DC) –Today Consumers Union called for increased funding and better oversight of the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Federal Trade Commission in their mission to protect consumers. In testimony before the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, CU testified that the complexities of today’s global market and emerging technologies require aggressive and well-funded consumer protection agencies.
“The CPSC must have the resources needed to inform and safeguard the public from new and emerging hazards,” said Janell Mayo Duncan, Senior Counsel for Consumers Union. “The agency needs a larger budget and more staff to protect consumers from the flood of dangerous imported products and to strengthen the recall process for unsafe products.”
CU is concerned that the CPSC will not be able to adequately address such high consumer priority areas as drowning, all-terrain vehicle safety, ladder safety, and the dangers that could be associated with the use of new technologies—particularly nanotechnology.
Ms. Duncan also addressed the need for the Federal Trade Commission to do more to inform consumers about their rights under state laws to protect their personal financial information. Duncan also called on the FTC to thoroughly and impartially evaluate competition in broadband and online markets and to prevent discrimination against online content.
“Congress needs to adequately fund these consumer agencies so they will be equipped to address existing and emerging consumer problems. But added resources will not be enough. Congress needs to step-up oversight and the agencies need to better use resources to protect consumers now and in the future,” said Duncan.
For a complete copy of the testimony, click here
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Contact:
Jennifer Fuson, fusoje@consumer.org
or Janell Mayo Duncan, 202-462-6262