[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 64 (Wednesday, April 14, 2021)]
[House]
[Pages H1758-H1760]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
NICHOLAS AND ZACHARY BURT MEMORIAL CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING PREVENTION
ACT OF 2021
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
bill (H.R. 1460) to encourage States to require the installation of
residential carbon monoxide detectors in homes, and for other purposes.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 1460
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Nicholas and Zachary Burt
Memorial Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2021''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND SENSE OF CONGRESS.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced
by burning any fuel. Exposure to unhealthy levels of carbon
monoxide can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, a serious
health condition that could result in death.
(2) Unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning from motor
vehicles and improper operation of fuel-burning appliances,
such as furnaces, water heaters, portable generators, and
stoves, annually kills more than 400 individuals and sends
approximately 15,000 individuals to hospital emergency rooms
for treatment.
(3) Research shows that installing carbon monoxide alarms
close to the sleeping areas in residential homes and other
dwelling units can help avoid fatalities.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that
Congress should promote the installation of carbon monoxide
alarms in residential homes and dwelling units across the
United States in order to promote the health and public
safety of citizens throughout the United States.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Carbon monoxide alarm.--The term ``carbon monoxide
alarm'' means a device or system that--
(A) detects carbon monoxide; and
(B) is intended to sound an alarm at a carbon monoxide
concentration below a concentration that could cause a loss
of the ability to react to the dangers of carbon monoxide
exposure.
(2) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Consumer
Product Safety Commission.
(3) Compliant carbon monoxide alarm.--The term ``compliant
carbon monoxide alarm'' means a carbon monoxide alarm that
complies with the most current version of--
(A) the Standard for Single and Multiple Station Carbon
Monoxide Alarms of the American National Standards Institute
and UL (ANSI/UL 2034), or any successor standard; and
(B) the Standard for Gas and Vapor Detectors and Sensors of
the American National Standards Institute and UL (ANSI/UL
2075), or any successor standard.
(4) Dwelling unit.--The term ``dwelling unit''--
(A) means a room or suite of rooms used for human
habitation; and
(B) includes--
(i) a single family residence;
(ii) each living unit of a multiple family residence,
including an apartment building; and
(iii) each living unit in a mixed use building.
(5) Fire code enforcement officials.--The term ``fire code
enforcement officials'' means officials of the fire safety
code enforcement agency of a State or local government or a
Tribal organization.
(6) International fire code.--The term ``IFC'' means--
(A) the 2015 or 2018 edition of the International Fire Code
published by the International Code Council; or
(B) any amended or similar successor code pertaining to the
proper installation of carbon monoxide alarms in dwelling
units.
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(7) International residential code.--The term ``IRC''
means--
(A) the 2015 or 2018 edition of the International
Residential Code published by the International Code Council;
or
(B) any amended or similar successor code pertaining to the
proper installation of carbon monoxide alarms in dwelling
units.
(8) NFPA 720.--The term ``NFPA 720'' means--
(A) the Standard for the Installation of Carbon Monoxide
Detection and Warning Equipment issued by the National Fire
Protection Association in 2012; and
(B) any amended or similar successor standard relating to
the proper installation of carbon monoxide alarms in dwelling
units.
(9) State.--The term ``State''--
(A) has the meaning given the term in section 3(a) of the
Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2052(a)); and
(B) includes--
(i) the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; and
(ii) any political subdivision of a State.
(10) Tribal organization.--The term ``Tribal organization''
has the meaning given the term in section 4(l) of the Indian
Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C.
5304(l)).
SEC. 4. GRANT PROGRAM FOR CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
PREVENTION.
(a) In General.--Subject to the availability of
appropriations authorized under subsection (f), the
Commission shall establish a grant program to provide
assistance to States and Tribal organizations that are
eligible under subsection (b) to carry out the carbon
monoxide poisoning prevention activities described in
subsection (e).
(b) Eligibility.--For the purposes of this section, an
eligible State or Tribal organization is any State or Tribal
organization that--
(1) demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Commission that
the State or Tribal organization has adopted a statute or a
rule, regulation, or similar measure with the force and
effect of law, requiring compliant carbon monoxide alarms to
be installed in dwelling units in accordance with NFPA 72,
the IFC, or the IRC; and
(2) submits an application--
(A) to the Commission at such time, in such form, and
containing such additional information as the Commission may
require; and
(B) that may be filed on behalf of the State or Tribal
organization by the fire safety code enforcement agency of
that State or Tribal organization.
(c) Grant Amount.--The Commission shall determine the
amount of each grant awarded under this section.
(d) Selection of Grant Recipients.--In selecting eligible
States and Tribal organizations for the award of grants under
this section, the Commission shall give favorable
consideration to an eligible State or Tribal organization
that demonstrates a reasonable need for funding under this
section and that--
(1) requires the installation of a one or more compliant
carbon monoxide alarms in a new or existing educational
facility, childcare facility, health care facility, adult
dependent care facility, government building, restaurant,
theater, lodging establishment, or dwelling unit--
(A) within which a fuel-burning appliance, including a
furnace, boiler, water heater, fireplace, or any other
apparatus, appliance, or device that burns fuel, is
installed; or
(B) that has an attached garage; and
(2) has developed a strategy to protect vulnerable
populations, such as children, the elderly, or low-income
households, from exposure to unhealthy levels of carbon
monoxide.
(e) Use of Grant Funds.--
(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), an eligible
State or Tribal organization to which a grant is awarded
under this section may use the grant--
(A) to purchase and install compliant carbon monoxide
alarms in the dwelling units of low-income families or
elderly individuals, facilities that commonly serve children
or the elderly (including childcare facilities, public
schools, and senior centers);
(B) for the development and dissemination of training
materials, instructors, and any other costs relating to the
training sessions authorized under this subsection; or
(C) to educate the public about--
(i) the risk associated with carbon monoxide as a poison;
and
(ii) the importance of proper carbon monoxide alarm use.
(2) Limitations.--
(A) Administrative costs.--An eligible State or Tribal
organization to which a grant is awarded under this section
may use not more than 5 percent of the grant amount to cover
administrative costs that are not directly related to
training described in paragraph (1)(B).
(B) Public outreach.--An eligible State or Tribal
organization to which a grant is awarded under this section
may use not more than 25 percent of the grant amount to cover
the costs of activities described in paragraph (1)(D).
(C) State contributions.--An eligible State to which a
grant is awarded under this section shall, with respect to
the costs incurred by the State in carrying out activities
under the grant, provide non-Federal contributions in an
amount equal to not less than 25 percent of amount of Federal
funds provided under the grant to administer the program.
This subparagraph shall not apply to Tribal organizations.
(f) Funding.--
(1) In general.--The Commission shall carry out this Act
using amounts appropriated to the Commission for each of
fiscal years 2021 through 2025, to extent such funds are
available.
(2) Limitation on administrative expenses.--In a fiscal
year, not more than 10 percent of the amounts appropriated or
otherwise made available to carry out this Act may be used
for administrative expenses.
(g) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the last day of
each fiscal year in which grants are awarded under this
section, the Commission shall submit to Congress a report
that evaluates the implementation of the grant program
required under this section.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New
Jersey (Mr. Pallone) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Jersey.
General Leave
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks
and include extraneous material on H.R. 1460.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from New Jersey?
There was no objection.
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1460, the Nicholas and
Zachary Burt Memorial Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2021.
This important bipartisan bill was introduced again this Congress by
Representatives Ann Kuster and Buddy Carter.
Mr. Speaker, carbon monoxide--colorless, odorless, tasteless--is a
silent killer. More than 400 people die, and approximately 50,000
people visit emergency rooms each year in the U.S. from carbon monoxide
poisoning.
The tragedy is that these deaths and injuries are preventable with
the installation of carbon monoxide detectors. However, many people are
unaware of the importance of carbon monoxide detectors or don't know
how to install or maintain them properly.
This bill will change that. It will assist States in educating the
public on the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and the proper use
of carbon monoxide detectors. It will also provide States with grants
so they can purchase and install carbon monoxide detectors in the homes
of the elderly and low-income citizens, as well as in educational
facilities.
Mr. Speaker, I call on my colleagues to support this measure, and I
reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1460, the Nicholas and
Zachary Burt Memorial Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2021.
I thank Representatives Carter and Kuster, two great members of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce. I thank them for their work on this
important piece of legislation and for the many years they have served
and worked to protect consumers.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning
fuel, and most people know that. Exposure to unhealthy levels of carbon
monoxide can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, a serious health
condition that could result in death, unfortunately.
Mr. Speaker, unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning from motor
vehicles and the abnormal operation of fuel-burning appliances, such as
furnaces, water heaters, portable generators, and stoves kills more
than 400 people each year and sends more than 15,000 to hospital
emergency rooms for treatment.
This legislation would protect Americans from an otherwise
undetectable harm. This bipartisan bill represents a longstanding
commitment of the Committee on Energy and Commerce to protect America's
consumers, families, and children.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to pass this particular bill, and I
reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the
gentlewoman from New Hampshire (Ms. Kuster), who is the lead sponsor of
the bill.
Ms. KUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding.
Mr. Speaker, as a mother and aunt--and now a great aunt--to a dozen
little
[[Page H1760]]
ones, I know there is nothing more important than keeping our children
and loved ones safe. From a young age, we tell our children to wear
their seatbelts in the car, a helmet while riding a bike or skiing, and
to handle sharp objects with care. We go to great lengths to protect
our children from the dangers we can see, but there are threats to our
children's and loved ones' well-being that oftentimes go undetected.
Among the most dangerous of these is carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide
is a stealthy killer. You cannot see it, hear it, taste it, or smell
it. This deadly gas claims the lives of over 400 Americans every year
and results in over 20,000 emergency room visits.
Two of my constituents, John and April Courtney in Lyman, New
Hampshire, tragically lost their lives to carbon monoxide poisoning
just this past year. If people know about the dangers of carbon
monoxide and have alarms properly installed in their homes, tragedies
like the one in my district, can be prevented.
Mr. Speaker, that is why I am so proud to join my good friend,
Representative Carter, in introducing in the House, H.R. 1460, the
Nicholas and Zachary Burt Memorial Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention
Act that we will be voting on this evening.
This legislation provides funding for States to prevent future carbon
monoxide-related deaths by educating the public about the dangers of
carbon monoxide poisoning and installing detectors in housing for the
elderly and low-income individuals and high-traffic public buildings
like schools. This bipartisan legislation will save lives.
At a time when Congress so often seems divided, this legislation is
proof that we can work together to find common ground and get things
done to help our constituents.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Carter, and I thank our chairman, and I
encourage all of my colleagues to vote in favor of this legislation.
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to
the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter), my good friend.
Mr. Speaker, I really appreciate his perspective on the Committee on
Energy and Commerce as the only pharmacist on the committee. I thank
him for sponsoring this legislation.
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for
yielding.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1460. The bill, the
Nicholas and Zachary Burt Memorial Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention
Act is a piece of legislation that can save lives.
It would direct the Consumer Product Safety Commission to award
grants to install carbon monoxide alarms in buildings and facilities
that house vulnerable members of the population.
According to the CDC, at least 430 people die in the United States
from accidental CO poisoning every year. On top of that, nearly 50,000
people visit the ER every year because of accidental CO poisoning. On a
higher note, we can curb this statistic.
Better monitoring systems will ensure that people can prepare and
protect themselves. This bipartisan legislation, which I was proud to
cosponsor with my good friend, Representative Kuster from New
Hampshire, helps us move the needle on this important subject. Many of
us have heard stories of families being impacted by this tragic and
preventable outcome. Whether it is seniors or children, this bill can
help save lives.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her hard work on this bill, and
I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers, and I
reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to pass this bill.
It is a great bill, a good consumer protection bill, and I yield back
the balance of my time.
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I also urge support for the bill, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) that the House suspend the
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1460.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this motion
are postponed.
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