Floor SpeechNeutral2025-03-05

INTRODUCTION OF THE NATIONAL AMUSEMENT PARK RIDE SAFETY ACT

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On 2025-03-05, Representative André Carson (D-IN-7) delivered a floor speech titled "INTRODUCTION OF THE NATIONAL AMUSEMENT PARK RIDE SAFETY ACT" in the House.

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INTRODUCTION OF THE NATIONAL AMUSEMENT PARK RIDE SAFETY ACT

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 42 (Wednesday, March 5, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 5, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E186] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] INTRODUCTION OF THE NATIONAL AMUSEMENT PARK RIDE SAFETY ACT ______ HON. ANDRE CARSON of indiana in the house of representatives Wednesday, March 5, 2025 Mr. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the National Amusement Park Ride Safety Act. This month, 22 patrons were suspended in the air for two hours on a pinwheel ride at Knott's Berry Farm in Orange County, California. Incidents like the Knott's Berry Farm accident happen far too often, and it is time for the federal government to start regulating permanently affixed amusement park rides to protect the American public. This should never have happened and was preventable. I believe that we need better oversight and enforcement of existing laws, and we also need to close the gap in coverage, particularly since there is currently no federal oversight of permanently affixed amusement park ride safety. That's why I'm introducing this legislation today. Over 300 million people visit amusement parks every year in the United States. From school groups to family vacations, amusement parks are an integral part of our culture and have a significant impact on our economy. Ensuring that every rider has a safe experience on these rides is of paramount importance. The National Amusement Park Ride Safety Act will investigate accidents, develop and enforce action plans to correct defects, help improve safety training for ride operators, and act as a national clearinghouse for accidents and defect data. These enforcement efforts would be under the jurisdiction of the Consumer Product Safety Commission and would increase their budget to ensure that experts in the commission can effectively develop safety standards for permanently affixed and no affixed amusement park rides. Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this legislation and ensuring every American can enjoy a safe experience on permanently affixed amusement park rides. ____________________

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INTRODUCTION OF THE NATIONAL AMUSEMENT PARK RIDE SAFETY ACT Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 42 (Wednesday, March 5, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 5, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E186] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] INTRODUCTION OF THE NATIONAL AMUSEMENT PARK RIDE SAFETY ACT ______ HON. ANDRE CARSON of indiana in the house of representatives Wednesday, March 5, 2025 Mr. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the National Amusement Park Ride Safety Act. This month, 22 patrons were suspended in the air for two hours on a pinwheel ride at Knott's Berry Farm in Orange County, California. Incidents like the Knott's Berry Farm accident happen far too often, and it is time for the federal government to start regulating permanently affixed amusement park rides to protect the American public. This should never have happened and was preventable. I believe that we need better oversight and enforcement of existing laws, and we also need to close the gap in coverage, particularly since there is currently no federal oversight of permanently affixed amusement park ride safety. That's why I'm introducing this legislation today. Over 300 million people visit amusement parks every year in the United States. From school groups to family vacations, amusement parks are an integral part of our culture and have a significant impact on our economy. Ensuring that every rider has a safe experience on these rides is of paramount importance. The National Amusement Park Ride Safety Act will investigate accidents, develop and enforce action plans to correct defects, help improve safety training for ride operators, and act as a national clearinghouse for accidents and defect data. These enforcement efforts would be under the jurisdiction of the Consumer Product Safety Commission and would increase their budget to ensure that experts in the commission can effectively develop safety standards for permanently affixed and no affixed amusement park rides. Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this legislation and ensuring every American can enjoy a safe experience on permanently affixed amusement park rides. ____________________