[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 53 (Wednesday, May 3, 2000)]
[House]
[Page H2485]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      INTRODUCTION OF THE U.S. CAPITOL FIRE PROTECTION ACT OF 2000

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, as the Twenty-first century dawns, fire 
remains a serious threat to life and property, especially for the U.S. 
Capitol, House and Senate office buildings, the Library of Congress, 
and their occupants and visitors. Today, with the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon), co-chair of the Congressional Fire Caucus, 
and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews), I am introducing a 
bill intended to enhance fire protection of the United States Capitol 
complex and the safety of the thousands who work in or visit the 
complex every day.
  No one can deny that the Architect of the Capitol, the official 
responsible for operation and maintenance of the complex, has taken 
steps to improve fire safety on Capitol Hill. However, recent reports 
warn that much work remains in order to make these buildings safe. A 
December 1998 report by the House Inspector General found the condition 
of House's fire-protection systems, such as alarms and sprinklers, to 
be ``deficient.'' A follow-up report just issued by the Inspector 
General warns that the AOC continues to take a ``haphazard approach'' 
to fire protection throughout the House complex.
  A January 2000 complex-wide inspection by the Office of Compliance 
identified numerous violations of occupational safety and health 
standards made applicable to the Congress by the 1995 Congressional 
Accountability Act. The Compliance Office subsequently issued eight 
citations requiring corrective actions, including two requiring prompt 
implementation of a program of inspection, testing and maintenance for 
key fire-protection systems and equipment.
  This Congress must take every reasonable step to make fire protection 
of the Capitol complex and its occupants a top priority. To assist the 
Architect in fulfilling his responsibilities in this area, and to 
enhance the status of fire-safety and protection efforts, out bill will 
create within the Architect's office the position of Director of fire 
Safety and Protection. Reporting directly to the Architect, The 
Director will coordinate and take charge of fire-protection activities 
and work to bring the Capitol complex into compliance with the 
applicable codes and standards established by the prestigious National 
Fire Protection Association. The work of the NFPA acknowledges the 
difficulties associated with protecting historic buildings like the 
Capitol from fire, and our bill provides the Architect the flexibility 
he needs to preserve the Capitol's historic character. The measure 
requires the Architect to report regularly to key House and Senate 
committees on his fire-safety and protection efforts.
  Mr. Speaker, there are doubtless several reasons progress on fire 
protection of the Capitol complex has not been more rapid, but the 
simple reason is that the subject has not received sufficient 
attention. By creating a high-level official within the Architect's 
office to carry out all fire-safety duties, this bill will correct that 
problem, expedite progress, and make clear that Congress is serious 
about protecting the complex and its occupants from fire. I urge my 
colleagues to support this important measure.

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