Press Release

Buchanan Calls for Expanded Federal Examination of imported Chinese Drywall

Washington, DC -- Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-13) has called for an expanded federal examination of reports that potentially hazardous drywall imported from China was used in the construction of homes in Florida’s 13th District as well as 24 other states.  Buchanan has written to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Office of U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) urging them to take any corrective steps available to resolve the issue.

“Florida’s 13th Congressional District, which I represent, has some of the highest concentrations of imported Chinese drywall found so far,” wrote Buchanan.  “Some homeowners have complained about the foul odors generated by this imported drywall, expressed concern that it might be a threat to the health of young children in these homes, and noted that the drywall may have damaged other aspects of their homes, such as the framing or electrical wiring.”

“To their credit, some homebuilders have been working with homeowners to resolve these concerns,” wrote Buchanan.   “However, the size of this problem may need a broader Federal effort, given that hundreds of millions of pounds of Chinese drywall was used in homes built in more than 25 states over the past three years.”

Buchanan noted that the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency have begun to examine the issue.  “It is possible that the FTC and USTR can play a helpful and constructive role in the resolving this growing problem,” added the Congressman.

Buchanan sent the agencies a series of news articles in the Bradenton Herald and Sarasota Herald-Tribune outlining the Chinese drywall’s impact on homeowners in Florida.  He urged the agencies to review the articles and implement any necessary responses.