As a great holiday present for kids, the House and Senate increased the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) allocation in the Appropriations Bill to $80 million for FY08, $17 million more than the commission received last year and $16.75 million more than the Administration's request. The provision also bans manufacturer-sponsored travel for CPSC officials.

However, the CPSC bill will not become law before the end of the year. This week the House unanimously passed the Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act but the Senate will not move on their version of the bill before the end of the year. This means that it's less likely that toys sold next year would be affected by regulatory changes. Senator Mark Pryor (D-AR), our lead Senate sponsor, has pledged early action in 2008.

News You Don't Want to Toy With

Budget Boost for Safety Agency
The funding increase will allow the agency to hire additional inspectors and other workers to hire additiona inspectors and other workers and improve testing facilities.

Toxic Toy Database
The Ecology Center released the result of their testing of over 1200 popular children's toys. You can search their database by going to www.healthytoys.org or use the text service set up by MomsRising.org. Text "healthytoys [toy name]" to 41411 when you're in the store to see text results.

Holiday Shopping Season Brings Toy Safety into Focus
PBS NewsHour economics correspondent Paul Solman looks at how the recent controvery over lead levels in toys is affecting consumer shopping this holiday season.

The Recall Round Up (click here for a more complete list of recalled toys)
-Super Magnet Toys Recalled by MTC Due to Aspiration and Intestinal Hazards (first highlighted in our Toy Safety Report)
-Teething Rings Recalled by Empire Silver Due to Choking Hazard
-Girls' Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings Recalled by Liberty Apparel Due to Strangulation Hazard
-AAFES Recalls "Soldier Bear" Toys Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
-Stuffer Bear Recalled Due to Choking Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Victoria's Secret Internet site
-Discount School Supply Recalls Measuring Chart Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
-Infantino® Recalls Infant Teethers Due to Choking Hazard