[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 153 (Thursday, September 25, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1916]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORABLE STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES COLLEGE FIRE PREVENTION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. ED WHITFIELD

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 22, 2008

  Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, as a cosponsor of this legislation, I 
would like to thank my colleagues and the Education and Labor Committee 
for allowing this legislation to be considered today. Additionally, I 
would like to recognize Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, who during 
her five terms in Congress, worked to advance fire safety, particularly 
on college campuses.
  Mr. Speaker, far too many of our nation's young people have been lost 
to senseless fire tragedies at places where they are supposed to be 
encouraged to grow and kept safe--their own college campuses. According 
to the Center for Campus Fire Safety, 94 people have been killed in 
student housing fires since January of 2000. Sadly, many of these 
deaths may have been preventable with the help of proper fire safety 
technology.
  This legislation will establish a demonstration incentive program 
within the Department of Education to promote the installation of fire 
sprinkler systems, or other fire suppression or prevention 
technologies. This program is vital to helping ensure that our students 
are provided the most technologically advanced fire safety equipment. I 
am confident that this will not only help make colleges safer across 
the country, but will also save lives.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bipartisan and 
important piece of legislation.

                          ____________________