Scott Statement on Release of GAO Report Regarding Defective Drywall

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a new report on Defective Drywall at the request of Representative Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (VA-03), Representative Scott Rigell (VA-02), and other members of the House. Defective Drywall has plagued the homes of thousands of Americans, including many in Hampton Roads. Representative Scott issued the following statement on the GAO's findings:

"In response to our request, today the GAO released a report finding that some consumers received reimbursements from the insurance companies of manufacturers of defective drywall and other companies in the supply chain responsible for the distribution or installation of the defective drywall. Other consumers received remedies from federal and state governments, and yet many of the affected homeowners have not received any assistance at all. While the Consumer Product Safety Commission and other government entities have issued guidance on how best to deal with this toxic and contaminated drywall, much more needs to be done to make homeowners whole and prevent this from happening in the future. As a result of our request, the GAO plans to subsequently study how an 'all peril' insurance policy or other enhanced insurance coverage can protect future homeowners from unforeseen disasters such as Chinese drywall."

The full GAO report can be accessed online at: https://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-13-735R

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