U.S. Congresswoman Allyson Y. Schwartz - 13th District of Pennsylvania

U.S. Representative Allyson Y. Schwartz
Representing the 13th Congressional District of Pennsylvania

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 12, 2006

CONTACT: Rachel Magnuson, 202-225-6111

Congress Should Pass Plan to Protect

Children from Falling TVs and Furniture

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz (PA-13) praised the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for launching a public awareness campaign to raise attention to the dangers of falling furniture and televisions. The campaign alerts parents to the danger of unsecured furniture and provides tips to help safeguard heavy furniture. According to the CPSC, ten children have been killed already this year by falling TVs. In 2005 more than 3,000 children younger than 5 years old were treated in emergency rooms due to injuries associated with television tip-overs.

Schwartz also called for Congress to do its part to help protect children by passing key legislation which would prevent furniture and television tip-over accidents.

“The Consumer Product Safety Commission is doing their part to keep children safe by launching this important campaign – but Congress has a responsibility to do its part as well. For too long, Congress has failed to act on a plan, the Katie Elise and Meghan Agnes Act, which would help to protect countless children across the United States from injuries caused by falling furniture,” said Congresswoman Schwartz.

In April 2005 Schwartz introduced legislation to help prevent furniture tip-overs. Her bill, the Katie Elise and Meghan Agnes Act (HR 1861), would require that any furniture or electronic appliance in jeopardy of tipping come packaged with anchoring devices and with clear warning and informational instructions, so that it can be safely secured to wall beams. Currently, no such standards exist. This common-sense bill would ensure parents are better equipped with the information and the tools necessary to keep their children safe.

“As a parent I believe we must do more to ensure that no families ever have to endure the tragedy of losing a child due to injuries from falling furniture. This plan is an important step towards that goal and Congress should act,” said Schwartz.

The bipartisan bill currently has 45 cosponsors and has been referred to the House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce. For more information, or to find out how to encourage your local member of Congress to support the Katie Elise and Meghan Agnes Act, contact Rachel Magnuson at 202-225-6111.

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