John Drake: “allow me to begin by thanking key individuals whose efforts brought this legislation to the floor today. First, let me…”

“allow me to begin by thanking key individuals whose efforts brought this legislation to the floor today. First, let me thank Chairman Sensenbrenner for his diligence in moving this bill through the Committee on the Judiciary. I would also like to thank Ed Boyer of Angel Flight America located in Virginia Beach for raising this important issue and whose vision will help hundreds of private citizens respond in time of crisis. I would also like to thank my friend and colleague, Mr. Bobby Scott, for working with me to bring the best possible bill to the floor today. Finally, allow me to thank Sarah Hamlett, who put in countless hours to make this bill a reality. Today, we have an opportunity to take important action that will encourage the natural altruism and patriotism that Americans have repeatedly demonstrated in times of crisis. In the past 5 years, our Nation has seen two great disasters, one at the hands of terrorists and one at the hands of Mother Nature. In both cases, Americans responded with a tremendous outpouring of compassion, lending their time, skills and dollars to a range of charitable organizations. {time} 1530 In response to both 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, the thousands of civil aviators who make up Angel Flight America, stood ready to serve and, indeed, played a major role in the disaster response.…”