[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 70 (Monday, April 28, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H1637-H1640]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SETTING CONSUMER STANDARDS FOR LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES ACT
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
bill (H.R. 973) to establish consumer standards for lithium-ion
batteries.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 973
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 ``Setting Consumer Standards
for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act''.
SEC. 2. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY STANDARD FOR CERTAIN
BATTERIES.
(a) Consumer Product Safety Standard Required.--Not later
than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the Consumer Product Safety Commission (referred to in this
section as the ``Commission'') shall promulgate, under
section 553 of title 5, United States Code, the provisions of
ANSI/CAN/UL 2271-Standard for Batteries for Use in Light
Electric Vehicle Applications, ANSI/CAN/UL 2849-Standard for
Safety for Electrical Systems for eBikes, and ANSI/CA/UL
2272-Standard for Electrical Systems for Personal E-Mobility
Devices, as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act,
as final consumer product safety standards.
(b) Consumer Product Safety Commission Determination of
Scope.--In adopting the standards under subsection (a), the
Commission shall limit the application of such standards to
consumer products as defined in section 3(a)(5) of the
Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2052(a)(5)).
(c) Revision of Voluntary Standards.--
(1) Notice to commission.--If the provisions of ANSI/CAN/UL
2271-Standard for Batteries for Use in Light Electric Vehicle
Applications, ANSI/CAN/UL 2849-Standard for Safety for
Electrical Systems for eBikes, or ANSI/CAN/UL 2272-Standard
for Electrical Systems for Personal E-Mobility Devices, are
revised following the enactment of this Act, the organization
that revised the requirements of such standard shall notify
the Commission after the final approval of the revision.
(2) Treatment of revision.--The revised voluntary standard
shall be considered to be a consumer product safety standard
issued by the Commission under section 9 of the Consumer
Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2058), effective 180 days after
the date on which the organization notifies the Commission
(or such later date specified by the Commission in the
Federal Register) unless, within 90 days after receiving that
notice, the Commission notifies the organization that it has
determined that the proposed revision, in whole or in part,
does not improve the safety of the consumer product covered
by the standard and that the Commission is retaining the
existing consumer product safety standard.
(d) Treatment of Standard.--A standard promulgated under
this section, including a revision of such standard adopted
by the Commission, shall be treated as a consumer product
safety rule promulgated under section 9 of the Consumer
Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2058).
(e) Report to Congress.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 5 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House
of Representatives, a report regarding fires, explosions, and
other hazards relating to lithium-ion batteries used in
micromobility products during the period beginning on the
date of enactment of this Act and ending on the report date.
(2) Content.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall
describe, at a minimum--
(A) the source of the information that was provided to the
Commission regarding the fire, explosion, or other hazard;
(B) the make and model of the lithium-ion battery and
micromobility product that resulted in a fire, explosion, or
other hazard, if known;
(C) whether a lithium-ion battery involved in a fire,
explosion, or other hazard complied with the standard
required by this section, if known; and
(D) if known, the manufacturer and country of manufacture
of a lithium-ion battery that resulted in a fire, explosion,
or other hazard.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida.
General Leave
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and
include extraneous material in the Record on the bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Florida?
There was no objection.
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 973, the Setting
Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act, led by Representative
Torres.
H.R. 973 requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission to issue
consumer product safety standards for rechargeable lithium-ion
batteries used in micromobility devices, addressing the serious fire
hazards they pose.
Tragically, defective batteries, particularly those imported from
China, have already claimed too many lives.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues, Representative Torres,
Representative Langworthy, Representative Clarke, and Representative
Garbarino, for their bipartisan leadership to protect consumers and
first responders.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in voting in favor of
H.R. 973, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in support of H.R. 973, the Setting
Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act.
This legislation will protect Americans from fires caused by lithium-
ion batteries. It directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to
require manufacturers to comply with safety standards for rechargeable
lithium-ion batteries in micromobility devices, like electric bicycles
and scooters.
Fires caused by faulty or misused batteries are on the rise. Between
2019 and 2023, there were more than 400 fires, 300 injuries, and 12
deaths from fires caused by lithium-ion batteries in New York City
alone. In February, a fire caused by lithium-ion batteries at a
recycling facility in my home State of New Jersey required the
evacuation of over 100 residents from their homes and caused massive
property damage. Last month, in California, a 6-year-old girl and her
grandmother and great-grandmother were all tragically killed in a house
fire caused by a lithium-ion battery.
[[Page H1638]]
We are witnessing all of these tragic accidents in communities across
the Nation, yet there is no mandatory Federal standard to ensure
lithium-ion batteries are safe.
As electric bikes and scooters grow in popularity, we must ensure
that the CPSC adopts a strong Federal safety standard for lithium-ion
batteries. Consumers deserve to know that the products they buy are
thoroughly tested and safe, and this legislation would do just that.
I have to say that compliance with this bill depends on enforcement
by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Like other legislation we
are considering this afternoon, it depends on the existence of a
strong, bipartisan, and independent CPSC to protect Americans from
unsafe products.
At the same time that our Republican colleagues vote for this bill,
they will continue to remain silent as President Trump's callous
willingness to risk the safety of all Americans continues by his
planning to eliminate the CPSC and fold its mission into the Department
of Health and Human Services, which itself will have a dramatically
smaller workforce and narrower mission.
Eliminating the existing CPSC or stripping it of the independent and
bipartisan structure that Congress has mandated puts children and all
Americans' physical safety in grave danger.
The CPSC is a small agency tasked with a massive job to protect
consumers from hazards associated with a vast array of consumer
products, from infant car seats to window blinds to home repair
equipment. American consumers deserve to have peace of mind that the
products we are bringing into our homes are safe.
I hope my Republican colleagues will finally begin to speak up
against President Trump's dangerous plan to consolidate power in the
White House and eliminate the critical agency that does a lot of this
enforcement work at the expense of our children's safety.
Mr. Speaker, I commend Representative Torres for his leadership on
this issue, and I also thank Representative Clarke for championing this
bill in our committee. I urge my colleagues to support this
legislation. Again, I will stress that without CPSC enforcement, this
legislation is not going to mean much.
Mr. Speaker, again, I don't want to take away from these bills. Each
of the bills that we have today is bipartisan and came out of our
committee, but it is a shame that they weren't passed already in
December but for Elon Musk. It certainly would not be helpful--oh, I am
sorry. Mr. Torres is here, so I can't close yet, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr.
Torres), the Democratic sponsor of the bill.
Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of my
bipartisan bill titled the Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion
Batteries Act.
Mr. Speaker, I am deeply grateful to Chair Guthrie, Ranking Member
Pallone, Chair Bilirakis, and all the members of the Energy and
Commerce Committee for their support. I am equally grateful to my
partners in this effort, Congress Members Yvette Clarke, Andrew
Garbarino, and Nick Langworthy.
At the heart of our legislative progress has been the tireless
advocacy of the FDNY, the finest and bravest fire department in the
Nation.
The sheer speed and scale of destruction caused by a lithium-ion
battery fire is nothing short of staggering. In the Bronx, we witnessed
one of our few neighborhood supermarkets, 2096 Grand Concourse,
instantaneously reduced to rubble by a five-alarm fire caused by a
malfunctioning lithium-ion battery. These fires are happening with
greater frequency and ferocity across America.
Nowhere has this crisis been more acute than in New York City, which
has emerged as the epicenter of lithium-ion battery fires, with more
than a thousand incidents since 2019. The number of fires has been
rising relentlessly, from 30 in 2019 to 44 in 2020, 104 in 2021, 219 in
2022, 268 in 2023, and 279 in 2024. In just 4 years, America's largest
city has seen an over 800 percent surge in these fires, creating an
unprecedented crisis in public safety.
{time} 1445
Poorly manufactured lithium-ion batteries often imported from China
are hidden ticking time bombs waiting to detonate in American homes and
neighborhoods. The danger has become too great to ignore.
Today, the House is poised to pass bipartisan legislation that will
finally empower the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish
mandatory safety standards for the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries
in e-mobility devices.
In doing so, we are acting to prevent needless fires, save lives, and
safeguard communities across our Nation, and we are honoring our most
sacred duty: to protect the American people.
I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I
include in the Record letters of support from a coalition of
stakeholders in favor of this bipartisan legislation.
FDNY.
Hon. Mike Johnson,
Speaker, House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Speaker Johnson: I'm writing to urge you to pass the
Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act
(H.R. 973). If signed into law, it would require the Consumer
Product Safety Commission to promulgate a consumer product
safety standard for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used
in micromobility devices. Given that the bill is
uncontroversial, enjoys bipartisan support, and ensures
Americans' safety nationwide, you can lead on this issue by
advancing H.R. 973 as soon as possible.
In recent years, New York City has seen a proliferation of
lithium-ion battery-powered micromobility devices, such as
electronic bicycles, mopeds, and scooters. Many New Yorkers,
including numerous delivery workers, rely on these devices as
a convenient mode of transportation. However, as these
devices continue to appear, the number of fire incidents has
rapidly increased. Whereas a fire incident relating to a
lithium-ion battery was uncommon in 2019 with only 30
incidents, in 2024, we experienced 279 incidents and are on
pace for even more this year. Lithium-ion batteries were the
cause of 18 fatal fires in 2023 and six fatal fires in 2024.
They also present an acute danger to the firefighters who are
called upon to respond.
This issue is a problem well beyond New York City. The
Underwriters Laboratory Fire Safety Research Institute states
that, nationwide, there were at least 445 lithium-ion battery
fires, 214 injuries, and 38 deaths in 2023. They also note
that the toxic smoke from these fires decreases the usual
three-minute escape time to less than one minute, making
these fires a rapid death trap. These fires present unique
safety risks and create major hazards like flames, exploding
projectiles, and thermal runaway. This causes an explosive,
domino effect within the cells of a battery making it
especially challenging for first responders to mitigate using
traditional fire suppression methods. In addition to the
explosion and fire, these battery fires produce thick, highly
toxic smoke that endangers the lives of first responders
responding to an incident.
Yet, the incidence of battery fires can be notably reduced
by following best practices, such as purchasing certified
devices and batteries, and not tampering with batteries. The
Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act
would be a strong step forward in tackling this ongoing
crisis and ensuring safety for life and property.
Therefore, we ask for your leadership on this important
issue by passing H.R. 973. Doing so will save lives and
strengthen the safety of firefighters across the country.
Sincerely,
Robert S. Tucker,
FDNY Commissioner,
Fire Department, City of New York.
____
Consumer Reports,
April 25, 2025.
Hon. Mike Johnson,
Speaker, House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Hakeem Jeffries,
Democratic Leader, House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Speaker Johnson and Leader Jeffries: On behalf of
Consumer Reports (CR), the independent. non-profit.
nonpartisan member organization, we write to state for the
record our endorsement of H.R. 973, the Setting Consumer
Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act, in advance of the
U.S. House of Representatives' possible consideration of the
bill under suspension of the rules the week of April 28,
2025. We support this bipartisan product safety legislation,
which would ensure that the Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) can set federal safety standards for
micromobility devices, such as e-bikes, e-scooters, and
hoverboards, in a timely manner.
Micromobility products can be a useful, cost-effective, and
fun way to get around. They have soared in popularity, and
many of them are manufactured abroad and imported to the
United States. Unfortunately, fires and explosions linked to
the products have also proliferated. Since 2021,
micromobility devices using high energy density batteries
have been linked to hundreds of fires and dozens of
fatalities, including the deaths of multiple children. While
specific information on the manufacturers or brands tied to
these
[[Page H1639]]
fires is not publicly available, fire experts have stated
they suspect that low-quality batteries from overseas are
often to blame.
A federal safety standard enforced by the CPSC would level
the playing field and help ensure that manufacturers and
sellers put safety first. Thankfully, the Setting Consumer
Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act (H.R. 973) would
address this emerging, but addressable, hazard. On April 9,
2025, the Energy and Commerce Committee approved H.R. 973 by
a voice vote with overwhelming support, and we are pleased it
is now headed to the House floor.
Consumer Reports supports H.R. 973 and urges every member
to support this sensible bill on the House floor. Thank you
for your consideration, and please do not hesitate to reach
out to us with any questions.
Sincerely,
William Wallace,
Director, Safety Advocacy.
Gabe Knight,
Senior Safety Policy Analyst.
____
April 25, 2025.
Re H.R. 973--Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion
Batteries Act.
Hon. Mike Johnson,
Speaker of the House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
As organizations committed to the build-out of electric
charging infrastructure in New York City, we support H.R.
973--the Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Act. This legislation will issue a consumer product safety
standard for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in
micromobility devices, such as electric bicycles and
scooters, to protect against the risk of fires.
As New York City looks to diversify its modes of
transportation, we must ensure that these alternatives are
clean and safe. Rechargeable, personal vehicles present a
great opportunity to expand transportation alternatives, but
their adoption must be met with safety precautions in mind.
This legislation would allow for cities such as New York City
to foster a responsible transportation sector and protect
consumers and property from the threats of unsafe standards.
We request that this legislation be taken up for
consideration by the House of Representatives.
Sincerely,
New York League of Conservation Voters.
Open Plans.
Tri-State Transportation Campaign.
Transportation Alternatives.
Equitable Commute Project.
Regional Plan Association.
____
NVFC,
Washington, DC, April 25, 2025.
Hon. Mike Johnson,
Speaker of the House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Speaker, I am writing to you on behalf of the
National Volunteer Fire Council and the nation's volunteer
fire service to express my support for H.R. 973, the Setting
Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act. If enacted,
this bill would significantly reduce the number of fires
caused by lithium-ion batteries in e-mobility devices like e-
bikes and scooters.
H.R. 973 would require the Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) to issue a safety standard for rechargeable
lithium-ion batteries used in e-mobility devices. While
lithium-ion batteries in e-mobility devices have added a
great deal of convenience to our lives, these batteries can
be volatile and produce intense fires very quickly. This is
especially the case if these lithium-ion batteries are of
inferior quality, many of which are cheaply produced in
China. A CPSC standard for lithium-ion batteries would
protect consumers from the dangers of these inferior
batteries.
As lithium-ion battery powered devices become more common,
it is crucial that the safety and wellbeing of those we serve
is preserved. Passing the Setting Consumer Standards for
Lithium-Ion Batteries Act would do just that. I request that
the House of Representatives pass this important legislation
as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Steven W. Hirsch,
Chairman, National Volunteer Fire Council.
____
BOMA International.
Dear Speaker Johnson and Leader Jeffries: I am writing on
behalf of the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA)
International to express our strong support for the Setting
Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act, this
critical legislation will help protect the public from the
rising number of fires, injuries, and tragic deaths caused by
faulty lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes, e-scooters, and
other micromobility devices.
As the popularity of micromobility options continues to
grow, so too has the frequency of incidents related to
unregulated or poorly manufactured batteries. Between January
2021 and November 2022, there were 208 reports of
micromobility device fires across 39 states, resulting in at
least 19 deaths. These devices, often essential for low-cost
and sustainable transportation, should not pose a danger to
users or communities. This bill takes a decisive and
necessary step by requiring the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) to establish a, enforceable safety standard
for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in these
products.
Most lithium-ion batteries are being imported from China,
and Chinese manufacturers are not complying with CPSC's
directive. By mandating uniform consumer protections, this
legislation will help ensure that only safe, reliable
batteries are brought to market--saving lives and preventing
devastating property damage. It also levels the playing field
for responsible manufacturers and retailers who already
prioritize battery safety.
I respectfully urge you and your colleagues to support the
Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act and
help move this important public safety measure forward
without delay.
Thank you for your leadership and attention to this urgent
issue.
Sincerely,
Manuel Moreno,
BOMA International Chair and CEO.
____
DoorDash,
April 25, 2025.
Hon. Mike Johnson,
Speaker, House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Steve Scalise,
Majority Leader, House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Speaker Johnson and Leader Scalise: DoorDash applauds
you for advancing H.R. 973, the Setting Consumer Standards
for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act. It is critical that the United
States establish battery safety standards for mobility
devices so that people can use these products without putting
themselves, their families, and their communities at risk.
Your continued leadership on this issue will make a real
difference in the lives of everyday Americans.
DoorDash empowers local businesses to reach more customers
and enables millions of Americans to earn supplemental income
when, where, and how they want. We are committed to keeping
our communities safe, which is why we strongly support H.R.
973, which will keep unsafe batteries off of the market.
Electrically-powered micromobility is quickly becoming an
essential part of our nation's transportation system,
especially in urban areas. These micromobility devices also
enable flexible earning opportunities for workers across the
country, including the couriers--we call them ``Dashers''--
who provide delivery services facilitated by the DoorDash
platform.
However, the benefits of micromobility can only be realized
if the devices used are safe. Battery fires in New York City
and across the country have made clear the danger posed by
lithium-ion batteries that do not meet established and
recognized safety standards. Consumers should not have to
guess whether a product is safe when they purchase it, nor
should our communities bear the risk of faulty products
entering the market unchecked. Delivery workers, many of whom
own devices powered by lithium-ion batteries and use them to
earn supplemental income, are particularly at risk in the
absence of these safety standards.
This legislation is a vital step forward in addressing this
problem. By requiring the adoption of well-established
voluntary standards like UL 2271, UL 2849, and UL 2272, H.R.
973 ensures a strong federal framework to protect consumers
and workers. This measure will help shut down the flow of
unsafe products and prevent needless harm to families, first
responders, and communities.
DoorDash has partnered with e-bike suppliers and rental
services to expand access to safe, certified micromobility
devices, and we have invested in education campaigns to raise
awareness about battery safety. Your leadership in bringing
this bill forward is not only timely--it is necessary.
We are grateful for your commitment to consumer protection,
public safety, and responsible innovation. Thank you again
for your leadership.
Sincerely,
John Horton,
Head of North America Public Policy, DoorDash, Inc.
____
International Association
of Fire Chiefs,
McLean, VA, April 28, 2025.
Hon. Mike Johnson,
Speaker, House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Hakeem Jeffries,
Minority Leader, House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Speaker Johnson and Minority Leader Jeffries: On
behalf of the nearly 11,000 members of the International
Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), I ask that you support
H.R. 973, the Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion
Batteries Act. This bipartisan legislation would require the
Consumer Product Safety Commission to issue safety standards
on lithium-ion batteries in micromobility devices.
All over America, communities struggle with fire safety
effects of lithium-ion batteries in micromobility devices.
These batteries are found in micromobility devices like e-
bikes, e-scooters and hoverboards. Fires caused by these
batteries produce a phenomenon called thermal runaway. When
[[Page H1640]]
the individual cells inside a lithium-ion battery become
unstable it creates thermal runaway, which leads to fires. As
we have seen time and time again, being nearby an unstable
micromobility device can lead to injury or even death. Often,
these fires impact multiple homes or apartments, causing
damage or injury to close by neighbors and their adjacent
property.
We humbly ask that you support H.R. 973, the Setting
Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act. By passing
this act, Congress can help ensure that safety is not
compromised when the public utilizes alternative options for
transportation. We look forward to working with you to pass
this legislation.
Sincerely,
Fire Chief Josh Waldo, CFO, EFO,
IAFC President and Board Chair, 2024-2025.
____
TIC Council Americas,
April 25, 2025.
Hon. Mike Johnson,
Speaker, House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Mr, Speaker: TIC Council Americas, representing the
Testing, Inspection, and Certification (``TIC'') industry,
supports the Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion
Batteries Act, HR 973--a badly needed step in solving the
problem of lithium-ion battery fires. Lives and property are
at stake, and we urge passage of this legislation when it is
before you on the floor.
Lithium-ion batteries present a major challenge due to
their range of sizes, construction, frequently unknown
origin, and potential for ignition if damaged or defective.
While there are consensus standards to address the safety of
lithium-ion batteries and battery-powered consumer products,
they are not consistently followed, nor are there federal
safety requirements that must be met. As evidenced by
hundreds of fires and too many deaths traced to these
batteries, we fully agree that Congressional action is badly
needed now.
TIC Council Americas and its members remain ready to
support the implementation of this legislation, whether or
not independent verification of conformity is ultimately
required. Most important is the increased safety that will
accrue to consumers when this legislation becomes law.
Mr. Speaker, we appreciate the opportunity to provide
feedback on this important issue. Should you have any
questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Rich O'Brien,
Executive Director.
____
Grubhub,
April 28, 2025.
Hon. Mike Johnson,
Speaker, House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Speaker Johnson: I write to express Grubhub's strong
support for the passage of H.R. 973, Setting Consumer
Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act. Thank you for your
leadership on this important issue and for ensuring this
critical legislation will be considered by the full House of
Representatives.
This legislation would require the Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) to create a federal safety standard for
rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in micromobility
products, such as e-bikes and e-scooters. Micromobility
products can be a cost-effective, sustainable, and efficient
mode of transportation. These devices have soared in
popularity in recent years, and many are manufactured
overseas and imported to the U.S. to meet the unprecedented
demand. Unfortunately, the increase in these subpar products
has led to a troubling rise in fires and explosions, some
fatal.
Many food delivery couriers rely on safe, efficient
transportation like e-bikes to sustain their livelihoods,
especially in dense urban areas. These delivery partners are
essential to thousands of communities and businesses,
including ours. Ensuring their safety--and the safety of all
Americans--is a matter of public health, but also of fairness
and economic opportunity. Instituting a federal safety
standard for these products will help keep dangerous,
foreign-made products from proliferating throughout our
communities and ensure that consumers can access reliable,
safe micromobility devices.
While local jurisdictions have tried to address this issue,
the scale of the problem demands a national solution. OnLy a
federal standard, enforced by the Consumer Product Safety
Commission, can provide the comprehensive protection needed.
Grubhub applauds Congress for its diligence on this urgent
safety and national security issue and for taking this
opportunity to address it. This bipartisan legislation is
well positioned to tackle the growing occurrence of fires
linked to uncertifIed lithium-ion batteries, and will
ultimately protect lives and ensure public safety.
Sincerely,
JR Starrett,
Director of Government Affairs, Grubhub.
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I encourage a ``yes'' vote, and I
congratulate Representative Torres and others for this great bill.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Again, I hate to keep repeating, but these bills are all good that we
are considering this afternoon, and they should have already become law
but for Elon Musk. Again, it is important that we reauthorize these
programs or authorize these programs for the first time.
However, unless we have enforcement ability from agencies like the
Consumer Product Safety Commission, they are not going to mean much
because they require enforcement and investigation. Basically the
agencies are the ones that make sure that this type of legislation is
effective.
I hope that my Republican colleagues will see fit to speak out
against the abolition of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Putting it in another department is not going to help because they will
have less workforce and less ability to function.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) that the House suspend the rules
and pass the bill, H.R. 973.
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. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further
proceedings on this motion will be postponed.
____________________