The Nation - News from Nov. 20, 1987

The Senate Commerce Committee voted major changes in the Consumer Product Safety Commission, including orders to move rapidly against the dangers of all-terrain vehicles. The legislation also requires the commission to address immediately the issues of adult flammable sleep wear, air pollution and the hazards of children choking on small parts in toys. It also rescinds an exemption allowing the sale of lawn darts to adults. The bill was reported to the Senate for action, which could be delayed should the measure prove too controversial. The bill provides that only two of the three commission members need to be present to take action, a move that Sen. Albert Gore Jr. (D-Tenn.), chairman of the consumer subcommittee, said would end the “paralysis” on the commission.