Political Quotes

“when Americans see people in need, their first instinct is to help. It is the kind of attitude that makes our Nation great. But imagine if you had the knowledge and the tools to help someone in need--but weren't permitted to lend a hand. Health care professionals all across our country are prevented from donating their services in the free clinics that serve those most desperate for medical care, because these practitioners do not have malpractice coverage that will cover their work in volunteer clinics. Today, I urge Secretary Tommy Thompson and his Department of Health and Human Services to finish a job that Congress started 5 years ago and solve this problem once and for all. For several years now, doctors and dentists in Oregon have been calling me, saying they want to give back to their communities by volunteering in free clinics, but are not allowed to do so. I also have been contacted by an organization--Volunteers in Medicine--that operates free clinics across the country. They know of many health care providers who want to volunteer but cannot.”