New Chinese drywall bill calls for ban

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) - Hampton Roads' Congressman introduced new legislation Saturday that calls for a nationwide ban of Chinese drywall.

This, after years of complaints from local families. The Norfolk-based company that first brought Chinese drywall to Hampton Roads has since gone out of business. Many of the homes built with the tainted materials sit empty, abandoned by families worried for their health.

Congressman gathered at one of the affected homes in Virginia Beach Saturday morning to announce new legislation called the Contaminated Drywall Safety Act.

"We will not let go. We will be tenacious. We will stay on this until justice is served," said Representative Scott Rigell.

The legislation calls for Chinese drywall to be declared a "banned hazardous substance," meaning it can not be imported in the United States.

The bill also outlines proper disposal methods for the drywall that's already here.

It also calls on the U.S. Secretary of State to hold the Chinese government accountable.

The legislation asks the Secretary of State to insist the Chinese government forces responsible manufacturers to submit to the American judicial system and comply with any decisions and remedies for affected homeowners.

"When you've got both the House of Representatives and the United States Senate saying to the administration, 'This is a big deal and we're not happy,' that's really what this says in layman 's terms," said Rep. Rigell at Saturday's news conference. "And ... get on it."

Next, Hampton Roads' Congressional delegates will take the Contaminated Drywall Safety Act to Capitol Hill.