i CFA ■ October 1994 r5*i ^^i IF] 4i^^w Volume 19, No. 6 H ^^ ISSN #0732-8281 Senate Republicans Block Consumer Bills

Apparently intent on sending Demo- With time running out, House and tions, required EPA to develop a plan to for Home Water Treatment Units. crats home with no fresh accom- Senate staffers worked out a compromise reduce radon levels in high radon areas Americans spend more than $1 billion plishments to campaign on, Senate Repub- that, in addition to the fee increases, would and buildings, and mandated performance annually to purchase such units, but the licans prevented consideration of a whole have required the SEC to survey unregis- and proficiency standards for radon General Accounting Office has found that, host of pro-consumer bills in the last week tered advisers to detect registration viola- testing and mitigation programs and in some cases, the units do not remove of the congressional session. tions, would have mandated creation of services. the contaminants they claim to, while in Among the legislation that died as a a simple mechanism for individuals to other cases, the units actually degrade result of holds by Senate Republicans were obtain displinary history information for Last Minute Efforts Cannot the quality of the water. bills: to reform the credit reporting in- investment advisers, and would have re- Fise wrote to House Energy and Com- dustry, to create a comprehensive federal quired the SEC to study conflicts of in- Save Safe Drinking Water Bill merce Committee leaders in September strategy to address indoor air pollution, terest related to compensation and issue Despite frantic last-minute negotiations, supporting a House provision that would to beef up regulation of investment ad- rules to improve disclosure if needed. supporters of Safe Drinking Water legis- have provided "a preventive program to visers, and to improve the safety of the "This bill died because of foot-dragging lation could not overcome Senate Repub- ensure that consumers do not waste nation's drinking water. by Senate sponsors, who refused to nego- lican opposition. money, or put their families at risk, when In addition, Congress failed to pass bills tiate until so late in the session that they Although not directly involved in the purchasing a home water treatment to eliminate 's anti- left Sen. Gramm holding all the cards," overall negotiations, CFA had endorsed device to remove a harmful contaminant trust exemption and to address radon said CFA Director of Investor Protection a provision in the bill to establish a na- from their water." hazards. Barbara Roper. tional independent certficiation program (continued on Page 2)

Gramin Kills Credit Reform Bill Indoor Air Bills Languish Sen. Metzenbaum Tb Sen. Phil Gramm (R-TX) singlehandedly In Senate killed legislation designed to clean up prob- Comprehensive indoor air quality and lems in the credit reporting industry. radon bills came closer than ever to clear- Join CFA As Chairman "As a result of the sole efforts of the ing Congress this year, but died in the senior senator from Texas, credit report last week of the session when the Senate errors and privacy invasions will continue failed to vote on the measures. Upon retiring from the Senate, to haunt American consumers," said CFA The House gave voice vote approval to Howard Metzenbaum (D-OH) will Director of Banking and Housing Policy its indoor air quality bill October 3. The join CFA in the newly created position Chris Lewis. Senate had passed a similar bill last fall. of Chairman. In that capacity, he will The Fair Credit Reporting Act com- Because no time remained to work out take the lead on issues such as securi- promise worked out between the House differences between the two versions, the ties and antitrust, advise and assist other and Senate would have given consumers House then amended the Senate com- CFA advocates, and serve as a media the right to obtain one copy of their credit panion bill by substituting the House spokesperson. report a year for $3. Furthermore, credit language and sent it over to the Senate. "Sen. Metzenbaum's willingness to serve bureaus would have been required to re- Several Senate Republicans placed holds as CFA Chairman is one of the most ex- investigate information disputed by the on the bill, however, and it was never citing things to happen to CFA ever," said consumer and remove the information voted on. CFA Executive Director and Chief Ex- if they were unable to confirm it. "Despite careful negotiations and the ecutive Officer Stephen Brobeck. The House passed the conference report development of consensus legislation sup- "This senator is our all-time congres- September 27, then passed it again on ported by consumer and industry groups sional hero. His vast knowledge, superb voice vote October 5 with the addition alike, party politics became the execu- advocacy skills, and extensive political con- of several non-germane items sought by tioner of this important environmental tacts will elevate the level of CFA advocacy," various members of the Senate. Still, Sen. health bill," said CFA Product Safety Direc- Brobeck added. Gramm refused to remove his hold. tor Mary Ellen Fise. "As I leave the U.S. Senate, I want to Because of the bill's strong bipartisan This is the first time the House has continue to be involved, active, and effec- support in both houses, it is expected passed a comprehensive indoor air quali- tive," Sen. Metzenbaum said in announc- Retiring Senator and new CFA Chairman to clear Congress early in the next session. ty bill, although similar bills have now ing his plans. Howard Metzenbaum passed the Senate in three consecutive "There are 260 million people in Compromise Investment congresses. America, and every one of them is a con- The senator has also served the public The bills would have required the Envi- sumer. There is no better place than CFA interest as a formidable opponent of pork- Adviser Bill Dies ronmental Protection Agency to study in- where I can fight for their concerns," barrel special interest legislation, single- Sen. Gramm also refused to remove his door air quality, develop voluntary guide- he added. handedly stopping dozens of bills that hold on legislation to improve federal over- lines to reduce associated health hazards, Sen. Metzenbaum is retiring after three would have provided special anti-competi- sight of investment advisers. and develop a certification program for terms in the Senate, where he has been tive breaks to businesses. Both the House and Senate passed bills indoor air inspectors. the principal watchdog for American "Thank God for Metzenbaum," wrote last year that would have increased fund- In a related matter, the Senate never consumers. The Washington Post during the closing ing for investment adviser oversight by voted on radon legislation, which the During his years of public service, Sen. days of one Congress as he blocked pas- the Securities and Exchange Commission House passed in July and which the Senate Metzenbaum was responsible for the pas- sage of special interest bills that would (SEC). The House bill also included provi- Committee on Environment and Public sage of scores of pro-consumer measures. have cost consumers and taxpayers $5 sions to reform oversight practices and Works reported out last year. This time, In recent years, for example, he deserves billion. to require compensation disclosure by the stumbling block was a hold by Sen. much credit for Senate passage of legisla- In fact, numerous such bills were never advisers. Bennett Johnston (D-LA). tion to reregulate the cable television in- introduced simply because he was there. It was only in the final weeks of the The bills would have, among other dustry, ensure the future solvency of our As one Senate colleague stated: "Sen. session that Senate sponsors even agreed things, reauthorized key components of banking system, prohibit vertical price- Metzenbaum is like a security guard at to discuss inclusion of any of the pro- the EPA's radon program, required radon fixing by retailers, and require more com- the airport. You know he's going to x-ray consumer provisions from the House bill. disclosure during real estate transac- plete and accurate nutrition labels on food. your baggage, so you have to be clean."

CONSUMER FEDERATION OF AMERICA Page 2 October 1994 • CFAnews Baby Bells Kill Telecom Bill

The two-year congressional effort t<> "The Bell companies apparently decided bill, but not enough time left in the session move us in a fair and consumer friendly promote competition in Ihe telecom- that, if they couldn't get legislation that to overcome opponents' delaying tactics. manner from a monopoly local telephone munications and information industries would simultaneously strengthen their The Bell companies had apparently lined system to a competitive one," Stillman said. came to a sudden hall in late September, current monopolies and deregulate them, up several senators, including Minority when Senate sponsors withdrew their they were going to take their ball and Leader Bob Dole (R-KS), who were willing Legislation Must Guarantee hill rather than further erode its con- go home," he added. to stop the bill, either through a filibuster sumer and competitive protections. or by burying it in amendments. Reasonable Rates In the weeks preceding s. \H'>2's with- Sponsors Hold Line Against While the Bell companies' allies were lb accomplish these goals, legislation drawal, the seven regional Bell telephone demanding massive additional deregula- must "guarantee just and reasonable rates companies lobbied against the hill, despite Anti-Competitive Concessions tion, Sen. Howard Metzenbaum (D-OH) for basic telecommunications services and having previously agreed to the com- Stillman praised the bill's principal spon- was working with sponsors to strengthen prevent the local telephone monopolies promise struck during Senate Commerce sors — Commerce Committee Chairman the bill's consumer protections and com- from building the information superhigh- Committee consideration. Ernesl F. Hollings(D-SC), Ranking Minori- petitive safeguards, which were serious- way on the backs of their captive rate- "While the Bell companies constantly ty Member (R-MO), and ly weakened during Commerce Commit- payers," he said. complain about outmoded regulations and Sen. Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI) — for holding tee consideration. Acknowledging that passing legislation lack of access to competitive markets, their the line against local telephone company Although the legislation is dead for this requires a "difficult balancing act," Stillman unreasonable demands and refusal to attempts to win further concessions that session, sponsors in both the House and said, "the public interest in fair competi- compromise forced sponsors to end their would enable them to stifle competition Senate have pledged to renew their ef- tion and the lowest possible rates should attempts to pass comprehensive telecom- to the detriment of American consumers. forts early in the next session. define the terms of the telecommunica- munications legislation this year," saidCFA In declaring the bill dead, Sen. Hollings "We look forward to working with the tions debate, not the interest of a handful Legislative Counsel Bradley Stillman. said that he had the votes to pass the next Congress to craft legislation that will of companies."

Ttelecommunications Issues Shift To FCC; States

With the demise of legislation to Video Dialtone Standards petition to establish anti-redlining rules. on the table because of declining costs increase competition in the tele- Needed "Over the next several years, video dial- and increasing revenues. The phone com- communications and information indus- tone will be the single biggest consumer panies will immediately. achieve excess tries, the focus of telecommunications In October, CFA joined with the Center pocketbook issue that the commission will profits which in the past have been shared policy has shifted to the Federal Com- for Media Education, MCI, and the Na- face," said CFA Legislative Counsel Bradley with ratepayers." munications Commission (FCC) and the tional Cable Television Association in Stillman. He estimated that between $400 "Furthermore, the issue of competition slates, where consumers have recently writing to FCC Chairman Reed Hundt and and $700 billion in capital outlay, deprecia- in the local market remains unresolved, suffered serious setbacks. the other commissioners to express "con- tion, and return on equity is at stake. and very little has been done to open \1 the federal level, the FCC has begun cern over the pending proposals to offer "With that much ratepayer money at up the network," he said. graining Bell company applications tocon- commercial video dialtone services." stake, we can't simply leave the rules of Consumer advocates throughout the struct video dlaltone systems without firsl Video dialtone is a common carrier video the road to the companies that own the country who are not already engaged establishing a comprehensive video dial- service that would be provided by the road," he said. in price cap proceedings should be gear- tone policy to ensure that access is local telephone monopolies over the local "The FCC has an obligation to address ing up for similar battles in the near equitable and thai basic ratepayers are network, requiring a significant expan- the cost allocation and other important future, he warned. nol forced to pay a disproportionate share sion in the capacity of the network. policy for video dialtone in an open, public "If the legislation had passed, the ter- of the costs. Because of the current lack of "clear proceeding before authority to build the rain would have shifted very sharply," At the same lime, three slates — New standards to govern allocation and juris- systems and offer service is granted," he Cooper said. "But it didn't pass, and there York, , and Pennsylvania — have de- dictional separation of video dialtone said. is a great deal of doubt whether it will costs," "local telephone companies essen- cided within the last six months to adopt in the next Congress." tially have unrestricted discretion in re- price cap regulation for local telephone Key States Abandon Rate Of "Control of excess profits has been the companies without first resolving the issue covering the substantial investments re- cornerstone of consumer protection. The quired to construct and operate video of competition. Return Regulation only alternative is true and effective com- dialtone facilities," the groups wrote in "Moving away from rate of return regu- Meanwhile, the recent settlement pro- petition for local service," he said. "But their letter. "Under these circumstances, lation and at the same lime authorizing posals in New York and Ohio and a com- on a state by state basis, the Baby Bells a disproportionate share of video dialtone massive Infrastructure investments vir- mission ruling in Pennsylvania to aban- have effectively prevented competition COStS will he paid by captive ratepayers tually ensures that captive local ratepayers don rate of return regulation would bring and have already launched aggressive and customers of other telephone com- are going to he used as the forced financ- to eight the number of states which have campaigns to extend their monopolies as pany services." ing arm of the local telephone companies adopted rate caps. Illinois is also expected far into the future as possible." and that the development of competition "With the demise of telecommunica- to adopt price cap regulation in the near will be slowed," said CFA Research Direc- tions reform legislation this year, how- future. tor Mark Cooper, ever, the opportunity to write the funda- This relatively small number of states mental rules of the road into law has nonetheless represents more than half Consumer Bills been lost, at least for the immediate the nation's telephone ratepayers, and they (Continued from Page 1) future," the letter continues. "If the Com- include the nation's most influential com- mission and the states do not fill the void, missions, which places tremendous pres- Time Runs Out On CFAnews critical policy decisions will effectively sure on other states to follow their lead. be left to the telephone companies." CONSUMER FEDERATION OF AMERICA In Pennsylvania, regulators traded away Baseball Bills The groups urged the FCC to: 1424 16th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 rate of return regulation, over the strong The House Judiciary Committee gave • adopt effective allocation rules that 1202) 387-6121 objections of the administrative law judge, voice vote approval to legislation to par- would be applicable to any of the pend- President! ,/

With analysts predicting another leading Republican advocate on safety and Two other representatives, Phil Sharp business with tremendous implications tough election year for incum- telecommunications issues. (D-IN) and Don Edwards (D-CA), who are for consumers. That is why it is particu- bents, CFA's political action committee an- In addition, CFA endorsee Rep. Mike recipients of the Philip Hart Public Serv- larly important that voters return pro- nounced its endorsement of 149 candi- Synar (D-OK) was defeated in his primary ice Awards from CFA for their pro-con- consumer members to Congress and elect dates for the 1994 House and Senate races election, and Rep. Craig Washington sumer records, are retiring. strong new advocates to replace those in mid-September. (D-TX), a CFA Consumer Hero, lost his "All of these members leave difficult who are leaving and those current mem- In the Senate, CFA endorsed eight in- primary before CFA released its shoes to fill," Stillman said. "Furthermore, bers who consistently oppose the con- cumbents, three House members runn- endorsements. there is a lot of unfinished legislative sumer interest." ing for the Senate, and two non-incum- bents. In the House, CFA endorsed 123 incumbents and 13 non-incumbents. Senate "Increasingly, voters have been paying AZ: Rep. Sam Coppersmith (D) MD: Sen. Paul Sarbanes (D) NV: Sen. Richard Bryan (D) close attention to the votes made by their CA: Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D) MA: Sen. Edward Kennedy (D) NJ: Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D) representatives in Washington to see cn Sen. Joseph Lieherman (D) MO: Rep. Alan Wheat (D) OH: (D) where they stand on issues that are most HI: Sen. Daniel Akaka (D) MT: Jack Mudd (D) PA: Harris Wbfford (D) important to them," said CFA Legislative ME: Hep. Tom Andrews (D) Counsel Bradley Stillman. House of Representatives "The CFA endorsement lets voters know AL: Brian Dowling (D-02) ID: Penny Fletcher (D-02) NY: Rep. Charles Schumer (D-09) who has been protective and supportive AZ: Rep. Ed Pastor (D-02) IL: Rep. Bobby Rush (D-01) Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-10) of consumers with respect to pocketbook Rep. Karen English (D-06) Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-04) Rep. Major Owens (D-ll) issues, health and safety, and the effects CA: Rep. Dan Hamburg (D-01) Rep. Cardiss Collins (D-07) Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-12) of business and industry's activities on Rep. Robert Matsui (D-05) Rep. Sidney Yates (D-09) Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-14) Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-06) Pete Sullivan (D-1K) Rep. Charles Rangel (D-15) consumers," he said. Rep. George Miller (D-07) Rep. Lane Evans (D-17) Rep. Jose Serrano (D-16) Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-08) Rep. Richard Durbin (D-20) Rep. Eliot Engel (D-17) Rep. Ronald Dellums (D-09) IN: Rep. Peter Visclosky (D-01) Rep. Nita Lowey (D-18) Incumbents Assessed On Rep. Tom Lantos (D-12) Rep. Frank McCloskey (D-08) Rep. Michael McNulty (D-21) Pro-Consumer Voting Rep. Pete Stark (D-13) LA: Rep. William Jefferson (D-02) Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-26) Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-14) Rep. Cleo Fields (D-04) Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-28) Records Rep. Sam Farr (D-17) MA, Rep. John Olver (D-01) OH: Rep. ltd Strickland (D-06) Incumbent endorsees were selected on Rep. Anthony Beilenson (D-24) Rep. Richard Neal (D-02) Rep. (D-09) Rep. Howard Berman (D-26) Rep. Barney Frank (D-04) Rep. (D-ll) the basis of their lifetime voting records Doug Kahn (D-27) Rep. Martin Meehan (D-05) Rep. (D-13) and their positions on key consumer Tommy Randle (D-28) Rep. Edward Markey (D-07) Rep. Thomas Sawyer (D-14) issues. Rep. Henry Waxman (D-29) Rep. Joseph Kennedy (D-08) Rep. (D-17) The senators and representatives en- Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-30) Rep. Joe Moakley (D-09) OR: Rep. Elizabeth Furse (D-01) dorsed by CFA have been watchdogs of Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-33) Rep. Gerry Studds (D-10) Rep. Ron Wyden (D-03) Rep. Esteban Torres (D-34) MD Rep. Benjamin Cardin (D-03) Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-04) consumers' pocketbooks and protectors Rep. Maxine Waters (D-35) Rep. Albert Wynn (D-04) PA: Rep. Thomas Foglietta (D-01) of clean government, advocates of the Rep. Jane Harman (D-36) Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-05) Rep. Marjorie Margolies-Mezvinsky (D-13) health and safety of all citizens, and cham- Donald Rusk (D-40) Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-07) Rep. William Coyne (D-14) pions of making financial services available Rep. Lynn Schenk (D-49) Rep. Constance Morella (R-08) Rep. Paul McHale (D-15) to all consumers and of making all of Rep. Bob Filner (D-50) MI: Rep. Bart Stupak (D-01) HI: Patrick Kennedy (D-01) our financial institutions stronger. Rita Tamerius (D-51) Rep. Dale Kildee (D-09) Rep. John Reed (D-02) CO: Rep. Patricia Schroeder (D-01) Rep. David Bonior (D-10) SC: Rep. James Clyburn (D-06) "These public servants are making sure Cathy Kipp (D-04) Rep. Sander Levin (D-12) TX: Rep. John Bryant (D-05) scarce tax dollars are used in ways which CT. Rep. Barbara Kennelly (D-01) Rep. John Conyers (D-14) Lloyd Doggett (D-10) benefit consumers most," said Stillman. Rep. Sam Gejdenson (D-02) Rep. Barbara-Rose Collins (D-15) Rep. Henry Gonzalez (D-20) "They are working to bring stability and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-03) MN Rep. Bruce Vento (D-04) Scott Cunningham (D-22) assure access to financial services locally Rep. Christopher Shays (R-04) Rep. Martin Olav Sabo (D-05) Rep. Frank Tejeda (D-28) for consumers and to protect them from FL: Rep. Corrine Brown (D-03) Rep. James Oberstar (D-08) Rep. Gene Green (D-29) Rep. Karen Thurman (D-05) NC: Rep. Eva Clayton (D-01) Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-30) potentially dangerous products and un- Edward Goddard (D-07) Rep. Melvin Watt (D-12) im Rep. Karen Shepherd (D-02) fair business practices." VA: Robert Connors (D-12) NJ: Rep. Frank Pallone (D-06) Rep. Robert Scott (D-03) The 15 non-incumbents endorsed by Rep. Carrie Meek (D-17) Rep. Herbert Klein (D-08) Rep. Leslie Byrne (D-ll) CFA were chosen from candidates for Rep. Peter Deutsch (D-20) Rep. Robert Ibrricelli (D-09) VK Rep. Bernard Sanders (I-AL) open seat races and challengers of those Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-23) Rep. Donald Payne (D-10) WA: Rep. Jolene Unsoeld (D-03) GA: Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-02) Rep. Robert Menendez (D-13) Rep. Jim McDermott (D-07) incumbents with particularly poor con- Rep. John Lewis (D-05) NM Rep. Bill Richardson (D-03) Rep. Mike Kreidler (D-09) sumer voting records. Endorsed candi- Rep. Cynthia McKinney (DID NY: Rep. George Hochbrueckner (D-01) WI: Hep Peter Barca (D-01) dates are those whose responses to a CFA HI: Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-01) Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-05) Rep. Gerald Kleczka (D-04) questionnaire showed a strong commit- Rep. Patsy Mink (D-02) Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-08) Rep. Thomas Barrett (D-05) ment to pro-consumer initiatives. Rep. David Obey (D-07) "After reviewing the backgrounds and positions of these candidates, CFA is con- fident that they will strongly defend con- sumer interests if elected," Stillman said. Brochure Provides Air Quality Checklist "They have expressed strong support for a broad health care program, cam- paign finance reform, and strong con- Calling indoor air pollution one of residential indoor air pollution." sumers "telecommute." sumer protections for product safety, our the greatest consumer challenges of Indoor air pollutants include biological "Indoor air pollution presents a serious financial system and other businesses. the next century, CFA released a free bro- contaminants, organic gases, carbon mon- health risk to the public," commented the We strongly endorse their candidacy," he chure in September designed to guide oxide, radon, asbestos, lead, and environ- Director of EPA's Indoor Air Division added. consumers through the process of mental tobacco smoke. The costs of in- Robert Axelrad. "Repeated comparative auditing their homes' air quality. door air pollution in direct medical costs risk studies have demonstrated that the "How Healthy is the Air in Your Home?" and lost productivity is in the tens of health risks presented by indoor air pol- Key Supporters Leave lists 35 steps consumers can take to reduce billions of dollars per year, according to lutants are among the top five environ- 1 Congress common indoor pollutants. A separate Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mental risks to public health.' section explains the health effects associ- estimates. "Indoor air-proofing the home is a new Among those leaving Congress this year ated with the ten most common categories EPA also has found that indoor air can concept for consumers," Fise said. "They've are: Sen. Howard Metzenbaum (D-OH), of indoor pollutants. be more seriously polluted than outdoor heard of child-proofing and of the need whose lifetime voting record is the highest "Indoor air pollution will be to the 21st air, even in the largest and most indus- to have a smoke detector and take other in the Senate; Senate Majority Leader century what outdoor pollution has been trialized cities. The problem is exacer- fire prevention measures. Now we need George Mitchell (D-ME), who is a recipi- to the 20th century," predicted CFA Pro- bated by the fact that consumers spend to begin to educate them about the air ent of CFA's Philip Hart Public Service duct Safety Director Mary Ellen Fise. a large amount of time indoors — as much in their homes." Award for his efforts on behalf of con- "The challenge facing consumers right as 90 percent of their time — a trend Individuals can obtain a free copy of sumers; Sen. Donald Riegle (D-MI), who now is getting the information they need that is likely to increase as consumers the brochure by sending a self-addressed has been a staunch consumer supporter to improve the air in their homes," she increasingly take advantage of the "infor- stamped envelope to: CFA IAQ Checklist, as Banking Committee Chairman; and Sen. added. "We've prepared this checklist mation superhighway" to do more from P.O. Box 12099, Washington, D.C. John Danforth (R-MO), who has been a brochure as a first step in combatting their homes and as more and more con- 20005-0999. Page 4 October 1994 • CFAnews CFA Supports CPSC Safety Proposals

In recent months, CFA has submitted Action On Buckets Urged In addition, CFA urged the commission ings since 1986, and the number of walker injuries has risen, the comments note. comments in favor Consumer Product In comments filed September 6, CFA to address the issue of new, empty five- Safety Commission proposed rules to im- praised CPSC for beginning its rulemaking gallon buckets sold in retail stores in its plement the toy safety provisions of the rulemakings and to actively promote the on plastic buckets and urged the agency Adoption Of Furniture Fire Child Safety Protection Act as well as Ad- to act promptly to address this issue. use of alternative containers. vance Notices of Proposed Rulemakings The CPSC has received reports of 228 Standard Urged (ANPRs) on upholstered furniture fires, deaths and 30 nonfatal incidents associ- Baby Walker Performance In comments filed in August, CFA urged plastic buckets, and baby walkers. ated with buckets between January 1984 the CPSC to adopt the California stan- "The commission's level of rulemaking and March 1994, figures the commission Standard Needed dard for upholstered furniture fires activity in the past few months is a acknowledges are incomplete. CFA also urged the CPSC to adopt a caused by open flames. monstrous leap over that which occurred "Five-gallon plastic buckets represent a performance standard to address deaths It has been shown that furniture com- during the Reagan and Bush administra- classic 'hidden hazard.' What appears to be and injuries associated with baby walkers plying with the California standard, TB-117, tions," said CFA Product Safety Director a benign consumer product is the vehicle and supported the commission's proposal "allows more time for escape, detection and Mary Ellen Fise. for far too many deaths to children. These to focus particularly on a standard that suppression of fire than furniture that does The proposed rules to implement the tragedies occur swiftly and silently, in a prevents walkers from falling down steps. not comply," the comments note. toy safety provisions of the Child Safety matter of just minutes," the comments note. Studies have indicated that 79 percent This standard has been enforced in Protection Act would: ban balls intended CFA urged the agency to promulgate of baby walker injuries are the result California for nearly 20 years, during which for children under age three that have a mandatory performance standard along of falls down stairs and that nearly 100 time both foreign and domestic manufac- a diameter of 1.75 inches or less; require with an interim mandatory labeling rule percent of serious injuries result from turers have had to comply with the regula- choking hazard warning labels on toys and to accompany the rules with a vig- stairway falls, CFA's comments note. tion. "If manufacturers have successfully that contain small parts and that are in- orous consumer education campaign "to Contrary to common misperceptions, complied with TB-117 in California, the state tended for children up to age six; and address the millions of buckets already these walker falls do not necessarily result with by far the largest population, it stands require manufacturers to report choking in the stream of commerce." from poor supervision. In a CPSC study, to reason that manufacturers should have incidents associated with their products The alternatives for performance criteria 61 percent of respondents reported a not problem complying in the other 49 within 24 hours of learning of the incident. outlined in the ANPR adequately address closed door, gate, of other barrier in use states," the comments state. In addition to expressing strong overall the two key factors involved in reducing prior to or around the time of the fall. CFA also noted that a warning label support for the proposed rules, CFA of- the drowning risk — preventing the child Others reported that the walker moved alone would be ineffective, since con- fered several suggestions for improve- from entering the bucket or eliminating too quickly for a nearby adult to prevent sumers are already well aware of dangers ments, including: the liquid in which the child drowns — the incident. of fire and since labeling would have no • requiring warning labels on products while still allowing manufacturers many This suggests "that traditional supervi- effect on fires started by children. intended for children between the ages packaging designs and alternatives to choose sion, such as being in the same room Finally, CFA urged the commission to of three and six that contain a small part among, the comments state. as the child and keeping an eye on the continue its study of the possible develop- as the result of use and abuse testing, and On the other hand, "a mandatory warn- child, is not enough," the comments state. ment of a flammability standard address- • adding an anti-stockpiling provision ing label alone is not adequate to address Furthermore, CFA noted in its comments ing cigarette ignition of upholstered fur- to the regulations to prevent "massive this risk," the comments state. "Despite the that "warnings alone, even if new and niture, including performing an indepen- manufacture and packaging" of toys that recent use of labels, deaths appear to be improved, will not significantly decrease dent evaluation of upholstered furniture don't comply with the rules prior to the continuing at a consistent rate." At least the risk of injury to young children in conformance with the industry volun- January 1, 1995 effective date. one death has occurred in a labeled bucket. walkers." Baby walkers have carried warn- tary program.

BULK RATE CFA Participates In U.S. POSTAGE PAID World Consumer Congress WASHINGTON, DC PERMIT NO. 8772

Leaders of CFA participated in, and made presentations at, the 14th World Congress of the International Organisation of Consumers Unions (IOCU) held recently in Montpellier, France. The nearly 500 persons from 76 countries who attended discussed and debated issues related to the theme of Consumers in the Global Market. General sessions focused attention on the GATT, transnational corporations, sustainable consumption, and economic restructuring. In addition, workshops treated a variety of policy and organizational issues of interest both to industrialized and developing countries. In a session on "Financial Services: Reading the Fine Print," CFA Ex- ecutive Director Stephen Brobeck discussed barriers to informed con- sumer decisions about financial services products and strategies for reducing or eliminating these barriers. In a related session, "Consumer Loans: Easy Credit or Debt Trap?", CFA President Jean Ann Fox described various credit abuses by lenders against low and moderate income consumers. The participation of Brobeck and Fox was made possible by support from Consumers Union, whose President, Rhoda Karpatkin, has pro- vided critically important leadership and financial support to IOCU for many years. Karpatkin herself spoke in sessions on empowering the poor and raising funds. Other Consumers Union staffers also par- ticipated in the conference, including Mark Silbergeld, a CFA Vice Presi- dent, who spoke on trade relations in the Americas. In addition to Consumers Union, other CFA member organizations that contributed to the World Congress were the American Council of Consumer Interests and AFSCME Local 1549, which represents New York City Board of Education support workers. During the past three years, IOCU has grown more active and effective under the leadership of James Firebrace. It has also concentrated greater attention on the Third World. IOCU now has strong regional offices in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, and it is providing much assistance to consumer groups in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. In addition, IOCU has created a new Programme for Developed CD Economies that provides for the exchange of information on key issues among members in industrialized countries. As a part of its restructuring, IOCU has created a new Global Policy and Campaigns Unit responsible for coordinating the development of balanced global policy positions and related representation before inter- national policy-making bodies.