Thank you for contacting me regarding H.R. 4040, the Consumer Product Safety Commission Reform Act. I appreciate the opportunity to respond to your concerns. Congressman Bobby Rush introduced H.R. 4040 on November 1, 2007. This legislation would reduce lead levels in children’s consumer products and require independent third party testing of products for children. On July 30, 2008, the House of Representatives passed the conference report for H.R. 4040 with my support. Additionally, H.R. 4040 was passed by the United States Senate on July 31, 2008, and was signed into law by President Bush on August 14, 2008. Recently, concerns have been raised by all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and dirt bike dealers regarding the implementation of this legislation by the CPSC. Of specific concern is the new requirement that children’s products sold after February 10, 2009 receive certification that they meet new federal guidelines. In light of these concerns, Congressman Joe Barton introduced H.R. 1815 on March 31, 2009. This legislation, which I have cosponsored, would clarify the applicability of certain provisions in the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. Specifically, this bill would create broader exemption authority with higher standards for those products that cannot meet the “regular” lead exemption standard when an exemption would better preserve child safety. For example, an exemption would better serve children, who are less likely to suffer lead exposure from youth ATVs than they are to suffer serious harm from using the same vehicle made for adults. Currently, this measure is being considered by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Please know that I will keep your thoughts in mind should H.R. 1815 come before the House of Representatives for a vote. Again, thank you for contacting me. I look forward to hearing from you in the future. Sincere regards, Roy Blunt Member of Congress