[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 109 (Thursday, June 22, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2244-S2245]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 281--EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE DESIGNATION OF THE 
WEEK OF JUNE 18 THROUGH JUNE 24, 2023, AS ``NATIONAL FIREFIGHTER SAFETY 
  WEEK'' IN THE UNITED STATES AND SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF 
 NATIONAL FIREFIGHTER SAFETY WEEK TO RAISE AWARENESS OF THE FIRE RISKS 
       ASSOCIATED WITH IMPROPER DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES

  Mr. CARPER (for himself and Mr. Boozman) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation:

                              S. Res. 281

       Whereas firefighters play a critical role in safeguarding 
     lives and property;

[[Page S2245]]

       Whereas the safety and well-being of firefighters are of 
     the utmost importance and it is crucial to equip them with 
     the necessary knowledge and resources to perform their duties 
     effectively;
       Whereas the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the 
     International Association of Fire Fighters, the Fire 
     Department Safety Officers Association, the National 
     Volunteer Fire Council, and the National Fire Protection 
     Association are the leading organizations committed to 
     enhancing firefighter safety and promoting best practices;
       Whereas lithium-ion batteries have become increasingly 
     prevalent in modern society and are utilized in a wide range 
     of consumer products, posing unique risks when involved in 
     incidents and fires;
       Whereas the improper recycling or disposal of lithium-ion 
     batteries causes fires, endangering the firefighters called 
     upon to quell these blazes;
       Whereas programs, such as the assistance to firefighters 
     grant program under section 33(c) of the Federal Fire 
     Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2229(c)) and 
     the staffing for adequate fire and emergency response grant 
     program under section 34 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 2229a), 
     support initiatives aimed at enhancing firefighter safety, 
     including training programs, research, and the development of 
     specialized equipment and tools; and
       Whereas, during National Firefighter Safety Week, from June 
     18 through June 24, 2023, leading firefighter safety 
     organizations are conducting a Safety Stand Down to raise 
     awareness among firefighters about the potential hazards 
     associated with lithium-ion battery incidents and to provide 
     comprehensive training on response protocols and safety 
     measures: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) supports the designation of National Firefighter Safety 
     Week;
       (2) expresses strong support for--
       (A) the efforts of firefighter safety organizations to 
     promote firefighter safety relating to lithium-ion battery 
     incidents;
       (B) training programs to educate firefighters about the 
     risks and hazards associated with lithium-ion battery 
     incidents; and
       (C) participation of fire departments in the United States 
     in National Firefighter Safety Week;
       (3) encourages--
       (A) efforts to develop standards and best practices that 
     emphasize firefighter safety in dealing with lithium-ion 
     battery incidents; and
       (B) public awareness regarding the safe use, safe storage, 
     and proper disposal or recycling of lithium-ion batteries;
       (4) supports community outreach programs that educate the 
     public about the potential hazards and proper response to 
     lithium-ion battery incidents; and
       (5) supports the goals of National Firefighter Safety Week.

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