Awning Safety Act of 2025

Floor Speech

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Mr. BALDERSON. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Bilirakis for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, the Awning Safety Act, which aims to enhance the safety of awnings commonly found in Ohio homes and households across the Nation.

A retractable awning can serve as a valuable source of shade and a gathering spot for families and friends. However, they can pose a significant risk to consumers.

This legislation directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish safety standards for fixed and freestanding awnings typically installed in homes.

My Energy and Commerce Committee colleagues and I learned of the serious risks surrounding awnings when tragedy struck the family of Olivia Shields, a staff member of the committee at the time.

As Ranking Member Pallone said, she and her family are in the gallery today. Her father, Michael Hnat, was carrying out a routine household task of taking down the retractable awning from the family home in Ohio. He was on the ladder when the spring-loaded arm of the awning unexpectedly shot out at him, forcing his ladder to tip and causing him to fall. Michael suffered a severe spinal cord injury, and despite efforts to save him, he tragically passed away a few days later.

His passing affected his family profoundly and reverberated throughout the communities he touched.

Michael was renowned for his kindness, generosity, and selflessness, often going above and beyond to help others in need. He was a devoted family man, cherished husband to Jill, and loving father to their children, Annaliese, Olivia, Abbey, Seamus, Emma; his sons-in-law; and his grandchildren.

Michael's untimely death underscores the importance of ensuring the safety of household products like awnings, and by passing this legislation today, we can prevent further tragedies.

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