[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 189 (Tuesday, December 6, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S6994]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF CONSUMER REPORTS ADVOCACY
Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Madam President, today I rise to congratulate
Consumer Reports on 50 years of advocacy in Washington, DC.
In 1936, scientists and researchers established a union of consumers
to test products and give evidence-based recommendations through what
was to become the iconic publication Consumer Reports. In 1972, the
organization saw an opportunity to do even more for consumers and for
the country at large by sharing data and insights with policymakers and
making policy recommendations in support of consumer safety, fairness,
and transparency in the marketplace.
Fifty years ago, a small team was established in Washington, DC, that
has been working with Senators on both sides of the aisle, with our
colleagues in the House of Representatives, and with staff at Federal
Agencies such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Department of
Energy, Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Trade Commission,
Federal Communications Commission, United States Department of
Agriculture, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau--which
Consumer Reports played a major role in helping establish in 2010.
For the past five decades, Consumer Reports has ensured that we in
government hear the voices of consumers, understand their needs in the
marketplace, and shape the rules and safeguards that consumers deserve.
Consumer Reports has partnered with me and others to take actions
that not only help people save their hard-earned money, but also save
lives. Products are safer, our standards are higher, and consumer
protections have endured, thanks to the extraordinary work of this
organization.
On the 50th anniversary of Consumer Reports establishing its first
team of advocates in Washington, DC, I congratulate and commend
Consumer Reports president and CEO Marta L. Tellado, along with the
past and present staff and board of directors, all of whom have
dedicated their talents and resources to creating a fair, safe, and
just marketplace for all of us.
____________________