Scarlett's Sunshine on Sudden Unexpected Death Act

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2271, Scarlett's Sunshine on Sudden Unexpected Death Act, which was introduced by Representatives Moore, Cole, Herrera Beutler, and others.

The mother of Scarlett Pauley, the namesake for this bill, told her heartbreaking story to our committee back in January on the third anniversary of her daughter's death.

No parent should have to find their child dead, and especially of unknown causes.

This legislation would create grant programs at the Centers for Disease Control to State and local agencies and nonprofits to address sudden unexpected infant and childhood deaths.

These grants would support efforts to standardize investigations into these deaths to better understand the medical causes that trigger these tragic deaths.

With permission of the families, these grants would also support genetic testing to research the causes of death.

Finally, the bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to help States and local governments review 100 percent of all infant and child deaths and enter such reviews into a national reporting system to help health researchers combat these tragedies.

Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this important legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source