[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 17]
[House]
[Pages 23589-23591]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  SUPPORTING CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY MONTH

  Mr. POLIS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 167) expressing the sense of the House of 
Representatives supporting the goals and ideals of Campus Fire Safety 
Month, and for other purposes.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 167

       Whereas each year, States across the Nation formally 
     proclaim September as Campus Fire Safety Month;
       Whereas since January 2000, at least 129 people including 
     students, parents, and children, have died in student housing 
     fires, many of which were preventable;
       Whereas over 80 percent of these deaths have occurred in 
     off-campus occupancies;
       Whereas a majority of the students across the Nation live 
     in off-campus occupancies;
       Whereas a number of fatal fires have occurred in buildings 
     where the fire safety systems have been compromised or 
     disabled by the occupants;
       Whereas it is recognized that automatic fire alarm systems 
     provide the necessary early warning to occupants and the fire 
     department of a fire so that appropriate action can be taken;
       Whereas it is recognized that automatic fire sprinkler 
     systems are a highly effective method of controlling or 
     extinguishing a fire in its early stages, protecting the 
     lives of a building's occupants;
       Whereas many students are living in off-campus occupancies, 
     Greek housing, and residence halls that are not adequately 
     protected with automatic fire sprinkler systems and automatic 
     fire alarm systems;
       Whereas it is recognized that fire safety education is an 
     effective method of reducing the occurrence of fires and 
     reducing the resulting loss of life and property damage;
       Whereas students are not routinely receiving effective fire 
     safety education throughout their entire college career;
       Whereas it is vital to educate the future generations of 
     our Nation about the importance of fire safety behavior so 
     that these behaviors can help to ensure their safety during 
     their college years and beyond; and
       Whereas by developing a generation of firesafe adults, 
     future loss of life from fires can be significantly reduced: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) supports the goals and ideals of Campus Fire Safety 
     Month;
       (2) encourages administrators and municipalities across the 
     country to provide educational programs to all students 
     during September and throughout the school year; and
       (3) encourages administrators and municipalities to 
     evaluate the level of fire safety being provided in both on- 
     and off-campus student housing and take the necessary steps 
     to ensure firesafe living environments through fire safety 
     education, installation of fire suppression and detection 
     systems, and the development and enforcement of applicable 
     codes relating to fire safety.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Colorado (Mr. Polis) and the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Petri) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Colorado.


                             General Leave

  Mr. POLIS. Madam Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which 
Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House 
Resolution 167 into the Record.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Colorado?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. POLIS. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 167, which 
supports the goals and ideals of Campus Fire Safety Month.
  Madam Speaker, college campuses host our students as they study and 
provide a safe place for them to live as they do. But all too often we 
are devastated by tragic events that take place on campuses. The Center 
for Campus Fire Safety reports that 129 people have died in student 
housing fires since January of 2000. Almost 80 percent of the fire 
fatalities have occurred in off-campus occupancies such as rented 
houses and apartments.

[[Page 23590]]

  Common factors in a number of these fires include lack of automatic 
sprinklers, disabled smoke alarms, careless disposal of smoking 
materials, and alcohol consumption. In many instances, the death of 
students, children and faculty members caused by campus fires could 
have been easily prevented with proper safety technology and 
appropriate fire safety student training.
  As recently as 2008, fires on the campuses of UCLA and Plattsburgh 
State University resulted in deaths.
  Fortunately, Congress has taken important steps to address these 
devastating occurrences. The recently enacted Higher Education Act 
requires each higher education institution to publish an annual fire 
safety report that includes mandatory supervised fire drills, policies 
for evacuation and fire training education.

                              {time}  1430

  The Secretary of Education will highlight institutions with exemplary 
fire prevention procedures. As these provisions are implemented, I hope 
campuses and students alike will take needed precautions and prevent 
fires in the future.
  Madam Speaker, once again, I express my support for National Campus 
Fire Safety Month and thank Representative Pascrell for bringing this 
resolution forward. I ask my colleagues to support this measure.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PETRI. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise in support of H. Res. 167, a measure to express the sense of 
the House of Representatives in support of the goals and ideals of 
Campus Fire Safety Month. I would like to thank my colleagues, the 
gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson) and the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Pascrell), for working together to introduce this important 
resolution.
  As we continue to see the effects of the California wildfires on the 
news, we are reminded that fires can strike anywhere, at anytime, and 
that includes on a college campus. September has been designated as 
Campus Fire Safety Month in an effort to remind college campuses and 
their communities about the dangers of fires on campus. This month 
reminds campuses that they need to check their fire sprinkler systems, 
their fire alarm and notification systems, and train students and staff 
in what to do in case of a fire on campus.
  There have been a number of fire tragedies, some fatal, on college 
campuses in the past. It is for that reason that Congress regularly 
recognizes Campus Fire Safety Month. We also included a provision in 
the Higher Education Opportunity Act to ask colleges and universities 
to report annually on fire safety efforts. The report would include 
information such as a list of all student housing facilities and 
whether or not each is equipped with a sprinkler system or other fire 
safety system, statistics on occurrences of fires and the injuries that 
occurred as a result of the fires, information on various fire safety 
rules and regulations, and information about training provided to 
students, faculty, and staff.
  Our Nation's college students should be able to live on campus with 
the confidence that they will be safe in their dorms, apartments, or 
other housing. This measure will take a key step toward ensuring 
greater awareness of this issue.
  I urge my colleagues to join in supporting this resolution.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. POLIS. I would like to yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell), the sponsor of the 
resolution.
  Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Colorado and 
the ranking member. I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 167, 
which recognizes the goals and ideals of the Campus Fire Safety Month. 
We just marked the start of a new school year for many college students 
across this great Nation. This is an opportunity to teach students 
about the dangers that fires pose both on and off the campus and the 
steps that students can take in order to remain safe and secure.
  This year, over 27 States and the United States Senate have 
recognized the importance of Campus Fire Safety Month. I am proud that 
the House will soon join them in bringing awareness to this critical 
issue.
  Madam Speaker, I first became deeply involved in the issue of campus 
safety after experiencing the aftermath of a catastrophic fire at Seton 
Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey, in 2000. That dorm fire 
killed three young freshmen--Aaron Karol, Frank Caltabilota, and John 
Giunta--and it could have been avoided. It injured 58 other students. 
One of those students came from my city of Paterson, New Jersey, Dana 
Christmas McCain. She was a survivor, but the reason she got burned so 
severely, she was helping others escape the fire.
  Since that tragedy, we have seen thousands of fires rage through 
campuses and off campuses in our colleges and universities, killing 135 
students since January 2000. Many of these deaths could have been 
prevented through effective fire prevention education and awareness, 
improved building and fire codes and legislation at the local, State, 
and Federal levels. A key to this is engaging today's college students, 
making them aware of their personal responsibility for fire safety and 
the role they play in protecting themselves, friends, and roommates. To 
reinforce this message, the theme for this safety month is ``Fire 
Safety--It's Part of Living.''
  We are making progress. We passed the Campus Fire Safety Right-to-
Know Act. I introduced that with Congressman Joe Wilson. It was signed 
into law last year. Its provisions will soon go into effect nationwide. 
And I can remember and Mr. Wilson can remember how some colleges and 
universities fought us on this. Parents have a right to know what is 
going on on that campus when their children apply to that college, 
whether they take it seriously or they don't take it seriously. We need 
to require colleges and universities to provide those same students and 
parents with the report of the school's campus fire safety policies and 
records, providing a powerful incentive for them to voluntarily upgrade 
their safety systems and save lives.
  Educating students about fire safety during their time in school will 
have a strong impact on the choices they make in the future. That is 
why I am working on new legislation that will provide schools with the 
resources to develop and deliver new and innovative campus fire safety 
education programs to their students.
  On September 17, 2009, the launch of the fifth annual National Campus 
Fire Safety Month was held here on Capitol Hill. My brother, Mr. 
Wilson, was there. At that event, I met with and spoke to a contingent 
of people from across the Nation, including 20 students from the 
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, parents who have lost 
children in campus-related fires, fire officials, and advocates who 
came together for this launch to discuss the important issues of campus 
fire safety and the legislation currently moving through the Congress. 
They were led by four national leaders in campus fire safety, including 
Campus Fire Watch, the Congressional Fire Services Institute, Ohio Fire 
Safety Coalition, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
  I want to commend everyone who came to Capitol Hill and the thousands 
more around the country who work tirelessly each day to educate our 
students, our sons and daughters, their families, faculty, and staff 
about the danger of fires on our college campuses. Far too many 
families have had to suffer the unbearable horror of losing a loved one 
right at the beginning of a promising life.
  I will continue to work hard every day to make our colleges safer, 
secure places for future generations to learn and to grow.
  Mr. PETRI. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson).
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. I thank you for your leadership, Mr. 
Petri. I am very honored to be here.
  And, Madam Speaker, I appreciate the hard work of my long-time 
friend, Congressman Bill Pascrell of New Jersey. His efforts will save 
lives. I am

[[Page 23591]]

also particularly grateful to be here because I know of his hard work, 
of a lifetime of service. I know of his persistence since youth. He and 
my oldest son's father-in-law, Dennis Miskewicz, of Fairfield, New 
Jersey, were bag boys together at an A&P food store, so I already know 
what a hardworking person Bill Pascrell is. And truly, he is making a 
difference.
  I know those of us in South Carolina particularly appreciate his 
efforts because our State still mourns the loss of students from the 
University of South Carolina and Clemson at the very tragic fire at 
Ocean Isle, North Carolina. And as we are discussing the issue of fire 
safety on campus, we also should emphasize fire safety at vacation 
homes, rental homes, second homes, the importance of acquiring battery-
operated fire detectors, fire alarms. That can make a difference, 
whether they are homes in the beaches or mountains.
  I rise today in support of this resolution to bring needed attention 
to campus fire safety. I am honored to join again with the gentleman 
from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell) in supporting H. Res. 167, a resolution 
which supports the goals and ideals of Campus Fire Safety Month.
  Last year, 33 States issued proclamations declaring September as 
Campus Fire Safety Month because it gives our communities an 
opportunity to raise national awareness of campus fire safety. We have 
an obligation to ensure students all across the country understand the 
danger posed by fires both on and off campus and what they can do to 
stay safe. The resolution supports the goals and ideals of Campus Fire 
Safety Month by encouraging administrators and municipalities across 
the country to provide educational programs to all students during 
September and throughout the year. It encourages our colleges and 
universities to evaluate the level of fire safety on and off campus at 
their institutions and to take the necessary steps to create a safe 
learning environment.
  We want to encourage the use of fire suppression and detection 
systems and help our universities and colleges develop and enforce 
proper safety measures.
  As I am sure all of my colleagues would agree, a child's safety is 
every parent's number one concern. Having sent four children to 
college, I know firsthand the pride we have in their achievements. We 
want the best for our children and we want to know they are safe. No 
family should have to face the tragedy of losing a daughter or son to a 
fire, and we should do all we can to provide families, students, 
teachers, and school administrators with every tool available to keep 
children safe.
  I appreciate the opportunity to work with my colleagues on this 
issue. I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes.''
  Mr. PETRI. Madam Speaker, I have no additional speakers, and I yield 
back the balance of my time.
  Mr. POLIS. Madam Speaker, I think the case has been made in eloquent 
and bipartisan fashion with regard to the importance of raising 
awareness and improving practices to protect American children 
attending colleges and universities across this country from the risks 
of fires. I encourage support of the resolution.
  Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my 
support for H. Res. 167, a resolution that supports the goals and 
ideals of recognizing September as Campus Fire Safety Month. This 
recognition would both heighten awareness and encourage improvements in 
the overall safety on our college and university campuses.
  Since January 2000, 129 people including students, parents, and 
children, have died in student housing fires, many of which were 
preventable. Currently a majority of college students live off campus, 
and eighty percent of these deaths have occurred in off campus housing. 
One recent example is more personal for me. Over the 2008 Christmas 
break, there was a suspected arson at the Sigma Nu fraternity house at 
Texas A&M University. Thankfully, no one was residing in the house at 
that time, but as a Sigma Nu from my days at Georgia Tech, my prayers 
continue to be with the chapter in Texas for the rebuilding of their 
residence.
  Nationally, more needs to be done to improve campus-wide fire safety 
awareness programs so as to prevent the loss of life and property 
damage on college and university campuses. Many of these fatal fires 
have occurred in buildings where the fire safety systems have been 
compromised, are obsolete, or have been disabled by occupants. College 
administrations must continue to make students aware of the need for 
automatic fire alarm systems and the safety they provide to occupants 
and local fire departments.
  Madam Speaker, fire safety education is imperative on college and 
university campuses across the nation. This resolution encourages 
administrators and municipalities to evaluate the level of fire safety 
being provided in both on- and off-campus student housing. It further 
calls upon them take the necessary steps to ensure fire safe living 
environments through fire safety education, installation of fire 
suppression and detection systems, and the development and enforcement 
of applicable codes relating to fire safety. I urge all of my 
colleagues to support this resolution so that we can protect future 
generations of our nation's leaders from the devastating and 
potentially life threatening effects of campus fires.
  Mr. POLIS. I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Polis) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 167.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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