Toys from China subject of congressional hearings

Leading toy executives face scrutiny from members of Congress today during hearings that come in response to the growing number of cases and concerns about unsafe children's items entering the country.

The hearing before a U.S. Senate Appropriations panel comes as Chinese consumer protection and trade officials are in Washington, D.C., following several high-profile instances of Chinese-made toys and products being found with lead paint or other toxins.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, a Springfield Democrat, will oversee the hearings, during which executives from Mattel and Toys "R" Us are expected to testify along with industry and product safety advocates.

At issue is whether to expand the Consumer Produce Safety Commission's funding and authority.

The hearings begin at 10 a.m. and can be watched online at www.appropriations. senate.gov/