Consumer Protection
My political career began as a consumer advocate when I led the successful campaign in 1969 to put freshness dates on products sold in the supermarket. I am a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, where I serve as the Chairwoman of the Consumer Protection subcommittee. On the Committee, I have continued my efforts to protect consumers from unfair business practices, unsafe products, insurance abuses, and harmful chemicals in products, and to improve the safety of children's products, vehicles, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Legislation I've Introduced
Safe Cosmetics Act – The Safe Cosmetics Act would phase out the use of dangerous chemicals, including carcinogens and reproductive toxins, from use in personal care products. Visit Cosmetic Safety for more information.
More on Consumer Protection
Last week was another busy week in Washington! After 24 years in Congress, I am finally moving to an office in the Rayburn House Office Building that has a beautiful view of the United States Capitol. I look forward to welcoming you to my incredible new space!
This past week, we held leadership elections for the 118th Congress. I would like to congratulate Minority Leader-designate Hakeem Jeffries, Whip-designate Katherine Clark, and Chairman-designate Pete Aguilar. I have the utmost confidence in our new leaders, who truly epitomize the great diversity of our nation.
WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Chair and Ranking Member of the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Data Security, introduced a resolution to mark the 50th anniversary of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
As the holiday shopping season begins, we must ensure that toys bring joy, not injury. For 37 years, Illinois PIRG Education Fund has released the Trouble in Toyland report, which has helped shape toy safety regulations since the 1980s. Last week, I attended a press conference at Lurie Children’s Hospital to discuss the findings of the report.
I spoke with WTTW about my priorities for the end of the year and shared my reaction to Speaker Pelosi passing the torch to a new generation of leaders.
On Thursday, my treasured friend, Nancy Pelosi, announced that she will be leaving House leadership, but will remain in Congress representing her beloved city of San Francisco. This week marks 16 years since I was able to second her nomination as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.
As we head towards the end of the year, and the end of the 117th Congress, there are still many things left to accomplish. I am looking forward to closing out the year strong as we continue to deliver results for the American people.
WASHINGTON - Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chair and Ranking Member of the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, celebrated the House passage of their bill, the Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces for Consumers (INFORM Consumers) Act, which directs online marketplaces to verify the identity of high-volume third-party sellers of consumer products. Requiring authentication of the identity of these online sellers will help deter organized retail crime rings who seek to sell stolen or counterfeit goods online.
WASHINGTON - Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Chair of the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee, and Congressman Tony Cárdenas (CA-29), Vice Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce, applauded their Safe Sleep for Babies Act, which took effect on Saturday, November 12. The law, signed by President Biden in May, bans inclined sleep products and padded crib bumpers, regardless of date of manufacture.