On Thursday this past week, the pending CPSIA amendment, known by its acronym ECADA, passed out of House subcommittee by voice vote. The Democrats did not offer substantive amendments at this time. There were two technical amendments adopted (see here and here). i will post the comformed amendment as soon as I get a link for you.
The debate over the amendment was lively and rancorous, I am told. As usual, there were hyperbolic accusations by desperate consumer groups whho will do just about anything to prevent rationality from interposing itself in this debate. Their Congressional allies, like Schakowsky and Waaxman, were right in there duking it out. That notwithstanding, Mr. Waxman admitted the law needed to be changed, and pledged to work with the majority party to fix the CPSIA. The significance of the voice vote is that he has not gone on record on the amendment. A poker game is underway.
The next step is a mark-up by the full committee in ten days or so. The goal of the Republicans is to produce a bill that can pass through the Senate. There are at least two Senators who stand by for the consumer groups, Rockefeller (D-WV) and Pryor (D-AR) who are standing in the way. If, nowever, Mr. Waxman gets on board, it is anticipated that the bill has a chance to go forward into law.
Time will tell. If you live in West Virginia or Arkansas, you know what you have to do. Call your Senator!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment