July 25th, 2018
by Tara Lukasik

U.S. Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL, 12th District) recognized Building Safety Month and the work of the International Code Council, its board and its members during the July 23, 2018, proceedings of the U.S. Congress. His remarks are now part of the Congressional Record — the official daily record of the debates and proceedings of the U.S. Congress. Rep. Bilirakis’ remarks are below:

 

Mr. Speaker, as we enter the hurricane season, I would like to recognize those within the building and code enforcement community for the work they do to maintain the resilience of our homes and commercial buildings.

The International Code Council has established a building safety campaign that is recognized annually by jurisdictions across the Nation. Its purpose is to reinforce the need for the adoption of modern building codes; a strong system of code compliance; and a well-trained, professional workforce to provide public safety.

In the 10 years since Florida adopted the statewide building code under Governor Bush — I was in the legislature at the time; he showed great leadership — the code’s adoption and application reduced windstorm actual losses by as much as 72 percent.

Year after year, we see the type of devastation that Mother Nature can bring, and it is important we are doing all that we can to minimize its damage.

 

Click here for the full transcript from the U.S. Congressional Record.

The live video can be watched here [Rep. Bilirakis’ remarks begin at 3:03 minutes into the video].

International Code Council member Robert Anderson, chief building inspector for Pasco County, Fla. — a construction professional with 25-plus years of industry experience — helped facilitate Rep. Bilirakis’ statement before the U.S. Congress in support of Building Safety Month. The Code Council applauds Congressman Bilirakis for his strong support of building and safety codes, and thanks him for recognizing the International Code Council and its 64,000 members.

About the Author
Tara Lukasik
Tara Lukasik is the periodicals editor for the International Code Council, working out of the Western Regional Office in Southern California. Starting with the International Conference of Building Officials as the managing editor of the Building Standards Magazine, she has more than 20 years of experience in editing, writing and pioneering electronic newsletters and magazines from conception to completion. She is currently putting her experience to good use managing the Code Council's Building Safety Journal and its BSJ Weekly e-newsletter. Follow her on Twitter @ICCTLukasik