The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday approved bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) to establish a state grant program that would help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, including the installation of alarms.
“I’m very glad that this legislation was approved by the House today to help protect Americans from the dangers of this gas,” Rep. Carter said on Sept. 17 following the House vote.
The congressman is the lead original cosponsor of the Nicholas and Zachary Burt Memorial Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2019, H.R. 1618, which he introduced on March 7 with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Ann Kuster (D-NH). U.S. Reps. Fred Upton (R-MI) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) also cosponsored the bill.
If enacted, grant funds authorized under H.R. 1618 could be used to install carbon monoxide alarms in the homes of elderly and low-income individuals, as well as in schools and other public facilities. The bill also provides incentives for states to pass laws to require carbon monoxide alarms.
“We have had serious carbon monoxide poisoning incidents at home in the First District of Georgia,” said Rep. Carter. “Earlier this year, a Savannah mother and her two children were taken to the hospital due to carbon monoxide poisoning. This legislation is so important because it will work to prevent serious incidents like this.”
The related U.S. Senate bill, S. 481, introduced in February by U.S. Sens. John Hoeven (R-ND) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), is under committee consideration.