Mike Doyle: “as a cosponsor of the Volunteer Protection Act in both the 104th and 105th Congress, I am pleased that the House is…”

“as a cosponsor of the Volunteer Protection Act in both the 104th and 105th Congress, I am pleased that the House is considering this thoughtful approach to voluntarism, as it relates to the disincentive of potential litigation. This measure has significant bipartisan support and represents our commitment to encouraging individuals to contribute to the success of their communities by volunteering their valuable time. In today's climate, schedules are busy and personal demands are great. As Members of Congress, we cannot directly remedy the day-to-day responsibilities of individuals which may pose as obstacles for volunteer service. We can however, remove obstacles for those individuals who have the time and interest in committing themselves to community service. The Volunteer Protection Act provides protection from personal civil liability in reasonable circumstances to volunteers involved in the activities of groups such as nonprofits, community organizations, nursing homes, educational institutions, and local governments. If we are truly serious about encouraging voluntarism, support of H.R. 911 embodies a responsible, concrete first step. The consensus on the merits of this bill is evident by the wide range of philosophical views held by its 152 cosponsors. The Volunteer Protection Act has met with success at every level. The Senate overwhelmingly approved this bill by a 99-to-1 vote. And the House Judiciary Committee reported this measure by a 20-to-7 vote.”