Obama seeks larger, pricier consumer commission
By PHILIP ELLIOTT,Associated Press Writer AP
- Wednesday, May 6
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama is turning to South Carolina's former school superintendent to head an expanded Consumer Product Safety Commission, an embattled agency that has been criticized by advocates for being too cozy with industry.
The president asked Congress Tuesday for $107 million to fund the agency charged with ensuring that products from toys and cribs to ATVs and toasters are safe for use. He is also increasing the number of seats on the commission from three to five.
The budget request falls short of the president's campaign pledge to double the agency's funding, although aides say it is almost three-quarters of the way there.
"We must do more to protect the American public, especially our nation's children, from being harmed by unsafe products," Obama said in a statement.
Obama announced the nomination of former South Carolina Education Superintendent Inez Moore Tenenbaum as chair of the commission. He also nominated Robert Adler, a former lawyer and adviser to the panel, for one of the new positions.
The appointments won quick praise from consumer groups.
"The (Consumer Product Safety Commission) has been chronically underfunded, and the boost in spending will help fill some of the holes in the product safety net," said Ellen Bloom, the head of Consumers Union's Washington office. "Consumers should take heart that this dynamic duo is joining this beleaguered but vital agency."
If confirmed by the Senate, Tenenbaum would replace acting chair Nancy Nord, who has been a lightning rod for Democrats in Congress and consumer advocates though defended by Republicans and manufacturers.
Democrats demanded her resignation.
By PHILIP ELLIOTT,Associated Press Writer AP
- Wednesday, May 6
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama is turning to South Carolina's former school superintendent to head an expanded Consumer Product Safety Commission, an embattled agency that has been criticized by advocates for being too cozy with industry.
The president asked Congress Tuesday for $107 million to fund the agency charged with ensuring that products from toys and cribs to ATVs and toasters are safe for use. He is also increasing the number of seats on the commission from three to five.
The budget request falls short of the president's campaign pledge to double the agency's funding, although aides say it is almost three-quarters of the way there.
"We must do more to protect the American public, especially our nation's children, from being harmed by unsafe products," Obama said in a statement.
Obama announced the nomination of former South Carolina Education Superintendent Inez Moore Tenenbaum as chair of the commission. He also nominated Robert Adler, a former lawyer and adviser to the panel, for one of the new positions.
The appointments won quick praise from consumer groups.
"The (Consumer Product Safety Commission) has been chronically underfunded, and the boost in spending will help fill some of the holes in the product safety net," said Ellen Bloom, the head of Consumers Union's Washington office. "Consumers should take heart that this dynamic duo is joining this beleaguered but vital agency."
If confirmed by the Senate, Tenenbaum would replace acting chair Nancy Nord, who has been a lightning rod for Democrats in Congress and consumer advocates though defended by Republicans and manufacturers.
Democrats demanded her resignation.
