Rep. George Santos Proposes Amendment Promoting Fire Safety Training After Bowman’s Fire Alarm Incident

Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., proposed an amendment on Tuesday to promote fire safety training in Congress in light of this weekend's incident where Rep. Jamaal Brown, D-N.Y., pulled a fire alarm amidst government shutdown threats.

Santos titled his proposal "Ensuring Fire Safety Protocols to the Halls of Congress," and it would amend the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act.

In the text, he suggests "training in the proper use of fire alarms" and "training in how to recognize fire alarms visually," which would happen in a 3-hour program conducted by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms.

"Recent events revealed that there is a need for members need [sic] to familiarize themselves with basic fire safety training," Santos said in his announcement. "Some members may not realize the consequences of pulling a fire alarm under false pretenses, [...]"

The proposal announcement also explicitly mentions Bowman's interruption of a congressional proceeding by pulling the fire alarm.

Bowman apologized for activating the alarm on the same day that it happened, on Saturday, and claimed he thought it would open the door "that is usually open for votes" but said it wouldn't open that day.

"But I want to be very clear, this was not me, in any way, trying to delay any vote," Bowman said.

On the same day that happened, Santos blasted Bowman on his social media by posting a video showing his followers how to use a fire alarm.

"PSA: especially to all the boys and girls who were students at Cornerstone Academy for Social Action because your principal may not have taught you," Santos wrote, referencing the middle school in New York founded by Bowman.