[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 82 (Friday, May 1, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E408]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL (ICC)

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                           HON. ED PERLMUTTER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 1, 2020

  Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Building 
Safety Month and the men and women of the International Code Council 
(ICC) for their dedication to public safety.
  Building Safety Month is sponsored by the International Code Council 
and its partners to remind the public about the role our code 
officials' play in ensuring safe, efficient, and livable buildings. The 
theme this year is ``Safer Buildings, Safer Communities, Safer World,'' 
and encourages all of us to raise awareness of the importance of safe 
and resilient construction, fire prevention, disaster mitigation, and 
new technologies in the construction industry.
  The International Code Council brings together local, state and 
federal officials to develop an international standard to protect us in 
the buildings we live, work, and play in. Those standards are then 
implemented year-round by building safety officials, architects, 
engineers, and laborers to ensure the safe construction of buildings.
  Building and fire prevention departments are essential to the U.S. 
response to the coronavirus pandemic by protecting the health and 
welfare of building occupants. They enforce regulations requiring 
sanitation of hospitals, plumbing systems, and adequate facilities for 
handwashing. They inspect existing infrastructure, including plumbing, 
mechanical, ancillary, and fire safety systems to verify safe 
maintenance.
  With natural disasters increasing in frequency and severity, building 
codes include important safeguards to protect the public from 
snowstorms, tornadoes, and earthquakes. In April of this year, the 
National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) found adopting modern 
building codes saves $11 for every $1 invested. This means fewer 
casualties, property damage, business interruptions, and insurance 
costs.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in thanking the 
International Code Council Board President and Chief Building Officer 
for Thornton, Colorado, Greg Wheeler, ICC's Chief Executive Officer 
Dominic Sims, ICC's members and staff, and ICC's partners in the 
construction and design community across the country as we all 
recognize Building Safety Month.

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