Cliff Stearns: “I rise in support and as a cosponsor of H. Con. Res. 250, recognizing public access defibrillation, or PAD, programs. My…”

“I rise in support and as a cosponsor of H. Con. Res. 250, recognizing public access defibrillation, or PAD, programs. My colleagues, years ago I had the opportunity and honor to work with the American Heart Association and we developed legislation addressing sudden cardiac arrest along with the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Capps). This cooperation led to the Cardiac Arrest Survival Act. After years of work, the provisions from the Cardiac Arrest Survival Act were combined with other health care provisions in H.R. 2498, and finally enacted in 2000 as the Public Health Improvement Act. This law directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to simply develop guidelines for the placement of defibrillators in public buildings. It also directs Health and Human Services to consult with and counsel other Federal agencies where such devices are to be used. Now, a number of agencies have initiated the program, including Labor, HHS, Commerce, GSA, and IRS.”