[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 79 (Monday, May 24, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E914]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORABLE STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES COLLEGE FIRE PREVENTION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 19, 2010

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2136, 
the Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones College Fire Prevention Act, which 
establishes the Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones Fire Suppression 
Demonstration Incentive Program within the Department of Education to 
promote installation of fire sprinkler systems or other fire 
suppression or prevention technologies.
  I would like to acknowledge Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer 
for their leadership in bringing this important resolution to the 
floor. I would also like to thank my colleague Congressman Fudge, who 
introduced this legislation in honor of our distinguished colleague 
Stephanie Tubbs Jones. The late Congresswoman Tubbs Jones introduced 
the College Fire Prevention Act in each of the last four sessions of 
Congress and passed a resolution regarding Campus Fire Safety Month. I 
am pleased that the legislation she worked so hard on is finally coming 
before the House.
  As Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency 
Communications, Preparedness, and Response, fire prevention for 
students is an important issue to me. There are between 1,500 and 1,800 
fires each year in college residence halls, dormitories, and sorority 
or fraternity houses. But when fire suppression technology is present 
in student housing, the chance of surviving a fire increases by 97 
percent and the likelihood of property damage is 35 percent less.
  H.R. 2136 establishes an incentive program within the Department of 
Education (DOE) that will promote the installation of fire sprinkler 
systems or other fire suppression or prevention technologies, in 
qualified student housing or dormitories. The program will provide 
competitive matching grants that will fund up to half of the 
installation costs and priority will be given to applicants that 
demonstrate the greatest financial need. In addition, the legislation 
would reserve at least 10 percent of the funds in grant program for 
Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-serving 
institutions, tribally controlled colleges and universities, and Alaska 
Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions. At least 10 percent 
will be reserved for fraternities and sororities.
  In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I support this legislation to keep our 
students safe. I am pleased that Congress is taking action to promote 
increased safety measures in college dormitories as well as providing 
the funds in support.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 2136.

                          ____________________