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Mr. FRANKS of Arizona. Madam Chair, I just rise in strong support of this very commonsense amendment by my friend, Mr. Stearns from Florida.

This amendment is to provide liability protection to health care workers who volunteer to help in disaster response for their fellow human beings.

Madam Chair, rescue efforts often can be chaotic; and without the help of volunteers, government Agencies cannot always help everyone effectively. Many State tort laws, including those of Louisiana, the State hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina, are unclear in regards to who is covered under State Good Samaritan protections.

Madam Chair, this is a country of Good Samaritans. We should encourage our fellow human beings to help their fellow human beings and not offer impediments to them. I think this amendment does that, and I support it with the strongest conviction.

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