Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.) helped prepare legislation for President Obama’s signature on Nov. 6 that would allow schools to keep EpiPens on hand to treat children who have allergic reactions.
The School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act was approved by the House in July and recently cleared the Senate. Upton, serving ceremonially as House Speaker pro tempore, signed his name to the bill as part of the official bill enrollment process. Obama is expected to sign the bill into law this week, Upton said.
After a bill is passed by the House and Senate, it is enrolled, which means it is put into its final form for presentation to the president for his signature.
Approximately 6 million children nationwide suffer from food allergies. On average, there are two children with food allergies in every classroom, Upton said.
Overall, food allergies affect 15 million people in the U.S. and cost approximately $25 billion to treat each year, according to the Food Allergy Research & Education organization.
Upton said that In the event of a severe reaction to a food allergy “minutes matter.”
Upton recalled a situation from more than 30 years ago in which a family in his congressional district lost their son to an allergic reaction after he ate a candy bar.
The School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act aims to help prevent similar tragedies that occur when allergies to common foods like peanuts cause swelling to the throat and tongue.