Congressman Robert J. Wittman | Official US House headshots
Congressman Robert J. Wittman | Official US House headshots
Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA-01) and Congressman Seth Magaziner (D-RI-02) have relaunched the bipartisan Congressional Toy Caucus to provide a platform for the U.S. toy industry and emphasize its crucial role in the education and development of American children.
Wittman expressed the significance of the toy industry, stating, “America’s toy industry is a major economic driver, creating thousands of jobs and enhancing communities across the nation.” Magaziner echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the positive impact of toys on children's development, saying, “Toys are in nearly every household across America... and contribute to the development of cognitive, motor, and emotional skills.”
The Toy Caucus aims to address various issues affecting the toy industry, including product safety, online child safety, supply chain resilience, counterfeit products, and environmental sustainability. Andy Keimach, president and chief executive at The Toy Association, commended the initiative, highlighting the importance of the caucus in facilitating discussions between industry members and lawmakers.
Keimach stated, “The caucus will enable us to educate Members of Congress on the positive economic impact that toy businesses have in their local communities and nationwide, as well as the developmental benefits of play for children of all ages.”
The U.S. toy industry plays a significant role in the economy, supporting approximately 573,379 jobs and generating an estimated $102.8 billion in economic impact annually. Representatives Wittman and Magaziner both have ties to key players in the toy industry, with Wittman representing Virginia’s First Congressional District, home to a LEGO Group packaging facility, and Magaziner representing Rhode Island’s Second Congressional District, where Hasbro, Inc. is headquartered.
The bipartisan Congressional Toy Caucus seeks to advocate for the toy industry, promote product safety, and ensure that American children can continue to play, learn, and grow in a safe and enriching environment.
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