Jim Inhofe: “a few years ago I became exposed to a problem that exists in the lives of thousands of Americans. It happened when one…”

“a few years ago I became exposed to a problem that exists in the lives of thousands of Americans. It happened when one of my closet friends in Oklahoma, Buddy Martin; lost both of his legs. He was one of the fortunate ones who had the resources to purchase artificial limbs, and is able to live today a much more normal life than one could imagine. It is because of this exposure that I rise today to introduce a bill to provide relief to thousands of Americans. Everyday far too many Americans are unable to live full and productive lives like Buddy Martin because they cannot afford adequate prosthetic care. There are over 250,000 Americans who cannot afford adequate prosthetic care. While the government provides assistance through Medicare and other programs they can not meet all of the needs, and they don't have to. The private sector stands ready to help, through nonprofit foundations, but they cannot because of our country's product liability laws. That is why I am introducing the Prosthetic Limb Access Act of 1996...”