The conference committee on CPSC reform is continuing its negotiations to reconcile the House and Senate-passed versions of product safety reform legislation. Along with other consumer groups, we continue to urge the conferees to take the strongest parts of each bill (Florida PIRG Sun-Sentinel op-edit).

Meanwhile over at the National Association of Manufacturers, they continue to say they are for reform, yet continue to push for gutting amendments to key parts of the proposals (NAM letter to conferees).

What does NAM want? Same as ever. Less authority to state attorneys general to protect the public, continued behind-closed-doors secret agreements between CPSC and manufacturers, lots more preemption of stronger state laws, fewer rights for whistleblowers, no Internet disclosure of hazard warnings and, of course, no ban on toxic phthalates. These pernicious proposals undermine the public's safety and should all be rejected.

If negotiations continue smoothly, the conference report could be sent to the President by July Fourth.