Leahy introduces bill to force reporting foreign recalls

WASHINGTON (Sept. 7)—Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., has introduced a bill to require U.S. tire and auto makers to report overseas product recalls to the Department of Transportation within 48 hours. The bill has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, where Leahy is the ranking minority member. Leahy also petitioned the Justice Department to investigate the current 6.5 million tire recall involving Firestone OE tires on the Ford Explorer to determine whether civil or criminal charges should be filed against either Ford Motor Co. or Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. At a press briefing today, U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno said she granted Leahy´s request and is studying the issue, according to the Associated Press.