Rep. Johnson Urges Consumer Product Safety Commission to Preserve Fireworks Ahead of Fourth of July

Washington, D.C. – Today U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and House Western Caucus Chairman Paul Gosar (R-AZ) urged the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to properly assess the impact of proposed amendments to fireworks regulations in the United States. The proposed CPSC changes would decrease the availability of consumer fireworks and ultimately hurt small businesses in South Dakota.

This action comes after Rep. Johnson met with National Fireworks Association President and owner of Lantis Fireworks, Don Lantis, in North Sioux City, South Dakota. After Rep. Johnson toured the fireworks facility, Lantis raised concerns regarding the CPSC rule which would limit the amount of powdered metal in aerial fireworks, altering their performance. To read the full letter click here.

Additionally, Rep. Johnson and Lantis discussed proposed 25% tariffs on Chinese imports which included fireworks. Following a recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Japan, President Trump said he would refrain from imposing these tariffs on fireworks imports.

"Fireworks serve as a symbol of celebration for our nation's independence and heritage," said Rep. Johnson. "I'm encouraged President Trump halted proposed tariffs on fireworks ahead of Fourth of July. I will continue to be watchful of attempted federal overreach by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and will work to protect access for safe consumer fireworks in the United States."

"Congressman Johnson understands the business of fireworks and understands they're primarily made in China," Lantis said. "He gets the wage and regulatory environment make it difficult to manufacture here and what tariffs would do to the small family run importers and distributors of consumer fireworks. He also fully understands the impact the proposed CPSC rule would have and we're grateful to have a champion of consumer fireworks in the U.S Congress."

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