Cárdenas Applauds House Passage of Pandemic Effects on Home Safety and Tourism Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, the United States House of Representatives passed the Pandemic Effects on Home Safety and Tourism Act, a bill introduced by Congressman Tony Cárdenas (CA-29) in August. This bill would require the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to study the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on injuries and deaths associated with consumer products. The Senate companion was introduced by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).
"American families are facing a variety of stresses during this pandemic, but getting injured at home should not be one of them,” said Congressman Tony Cárdenas. “As Americans spend more time at home, we cannot ignore the safety risks that certain consumer products pose. My bipartisan bill will require that these issues be studied, so lawmakers can take appropriate measures to protect American consumers and children by preventing future injuries. I applaud the House for passing my bill and I urge a swift passage on the Senate floor.”
According to recent reports, pediatricians and ER doctors have seen an increase in patients seeking treatment for home injuries following the coronavirus outbreak.
The COVID-19 Home Safety Act directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to study the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on injuries and deaths caused by consumer products to members of vulnerable groups, including children, minorities, seniors, and people with disabilities. This bill will require the CPSC to submit quarterly reports to Congress examining the incidence of injuries and deaths from consumer products suffered by members of vulnerable groups and also directs the CPSC to coordinate with the media to distribute resource information to help increase home safety during the pandemic, such as the CPSC’s Home Safe Checklists. The bill is endorsed by Consumer Reports, National Consumers League, the Consumer Federation of America, and Kids in Danger.
###