[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 94 (Friday, July 9, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1346-E1347]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       INTRODUCTION OF H.R. 4787

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                            HON. MIKE ROGERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, July 9, 2004

  Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, over the years, the safety of 
vehicles and passengers in a funeral procession have been of 
significant concern to both funeral directors and law enforcement 
officials. Various means have been utilized to alert the public to a 
funeral procession and to protect its integrity.

[[Page E1347]]

However, these methods are haphazard, lack uniformity and rely on local 
and state rules and regulations, if any, for enforcement. With the 
advent of private vehicles with daytime running lights as a standard 
feature, increased traffic congestion in urban areas, road rage and an 
increase in the number and variety of law enforcement and emergency 
vehicles, funeral processions have become more and more vulnerable to 
accidents and other hazardous conditions. Furthermore, with this 
increased risk comes increased liability exposure for the funeral home 
and funeral director resulting in increased financial strain. 
Therefore, the use of Mobile Infrared Transmitters by authorized 
personnel only as well as increased use of law enforcement personnel as 
funeral procession escorts would go a long way in addressing this very 
real problem. My bill would protect the authorized user and impose 
penalties and jail time for an unauthorized user or seller.

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