[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6277]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         BUILDING SAFETY MONTH

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                           HON. LOU BARLETTA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 1, 2017

  Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, today marks the beginning of Building 
Safety Month, and I would like to recognize the men and women of the 
International Code Council who have dedicated their livelihoods to 
ensuring the safety of Americans both in their homes and workplaces.
  Building safety and fire prevention officials, architects, engineers, 
builders, and others in the construction industry work year-round to 
ensure the safe construction of buildings. It is through their efforts 
that our nation continues to address critical safety issues in the 
built environment that affect our citizens, both, in everyday life and 
in times of natural disaster.
  These individuals, who are dedicated members of the International 
Code Council, develop and implement the highest quality codes to 
protect Americans in the buildings where we work, live, and play. The 
International Codes, the most widely adopted building safety and fire 
prevention codes in the nation, are used by most U.S. cities, counties, 
and by all 50 states. These modem building safety codes also include 
safeguards to protect the public from natural disasters, such as 
hurricanes, snowstorms, tornadoes, wildland fires, and earthquakes.
  Each year, in observance of Building Safety Month, Americans are 
asked to consider projects to improve building safety at home and in 
the community, and to acknowledge the essential services provided to 
all of us by local and state building departments and federal agencies 
in protecting life and property. Building Safety Month, which is 
sponsored by the International Code Council, reminds the public about 
the critical role of our communities' largely unsung heroes of public 
safety--our local code officials--who help prevent countless fires and 
accidents. ``Code officials: Partners in Community Safety and Economic 
Growth,'' the theme for Building Safety Month 2017, encourages all 
Americans to raise awareness of the importance of building safety.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking the International Code 
Council as they recognize Building Safety Month.

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