Reese's Law

Floor Speech

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Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to talk about Reese Hamsmith, an 18-month-old child who died due to complications 2 months after ingesting a button battery. This story has become more and more common with nearly 3,500 children ingesting button and coin batteries each year.

Just under a year ago is when I first met with Reese's mom, Trista. Trista's story is heartbreaking, but she has turned her and her family's grief into action. She approached my office with an idea for a bill so that other families are spared this experience.

Reese's Law requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission to create safety standards for products that contain a button or coin batteries to prevent accidental ingestion by children under 6 years old.

I thank Trista for her fierce advocacy for continuing to share Reese's story, and for helping make this bill become a reality.

I am proud that this bipartisan bill passed the House yesterday and my colleagues voted to protect children and help save countless lives.

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