[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 5, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E186]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      INTRODUCTION OF THE NATIONAL AMUSEMENT PARK RIDE SAFETY ACT

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                           HON. ANDRE CARSON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 5, 2025

  Mr. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the National 
Amusement Park Ride Safety Act. This month, 22 patrons were suspended 
in the air for two hours on a pinwheel ride at Knott's Berry Farm in 
Orange County, California. Incidents like the Knott's Berry Farm 
accident happen far too often, and it is time for the federal 
government to start regulating permanently affixed amusement park rides 
to protect the American public. This should never have happened and was 
preventable. I believe that we need better oversight and enforcement of 
existing laws, and we also need to close the gap in coverage, 
particularly since there is currently no federal oversight of 
permanently affixed amusement park ride safety. That's why I'm 
introducing this legislation today.
  Over 300 million people visit amusement parks every year in the 
United States. From school groups to family vacations, amusement parks 
are an integral part of our culture and have a significant impact on 
our economy. Ensuring that every rider has a safe experience on these 
rides is of paramount importance.
  The National Amusement Park Ride Safety Act will investigate 
accidents, develop and enforce action plans to correct defects, help 
improve safety training for ride operators, and act as a national 
clearinghouse for accidents and defect data. These enforcement efforts 
would be under the jurisdiction of the Consumer Product Safety 
Commission and would increase their budget to ensure that experts in 
the commission can effectively develop safety standards for permanently 
affixed and no affixed amusement park rides.
  Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this 
legislation and ensuring every American can enjoy a safe experience on 
permanently affixed amusement park rides.

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