Pelosi discusses improving product safety

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WASHINGTON, Oct. 30 (UPI) -- A bill that would ban lead from children's toys could help the Consumer Product Safety Commission do its job, said U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

During a news conference Tuesday, Pelosi, D-Calif., displayed several recalled toys, including a top and several Thomas the Tank Engine railroad pieces, saying some of the toys recalled contained 200 times the legal limit for lead, and the CPSC had "one person" charged with testing the toys.

"Why should it be up to moms and dads to figure that out?" she asked. adding, "Is it too much to expect the government to protect our children?"

Besides banning lead, the legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., would require independent, third-party testing and give the CPSA the "resources to protect the consumer," Pelosi said.

Julie Vallese, a CPSC spokeswoman, said on CNN the agency was "very committed to the consumer."

Saying reports of one inspector for toys was inaccurate, Vallese said.

Pelosi also called for CPSC Acting Chairwoman Nancy Nord to step aside. Nord asked Congress to reject legislation that would strengthen the agency.

"That (Nord's position) is not what American parents want to hear," Pelosi said.