To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the standard charitable mileage rate for delivery of meals to elderly, disabled, frail and at risk individuals.

Madam Speaker, I had the pleasure of meeting with home delivery volunteers in the Fifth Congressional District on Monday to discuss H.R. 6675, a bill I introduced in July.

H.R. 6675 would increase the standard deduction for home meal delivery volunteers from the current rate of 14 cents per mile to 58.5 cents per mile. Home meal delivery programs across the country are losing volunteers as the cost of gasoline continues to rise.

This legislation will help retain and recruit additional volunteers to carry out this important work. For those who receive home delivered meals, these volunteers serve an important role in delivering meals that provide needed nourishment, in addition to boosting the morale and spirit of those individuals.

As we continue to debate the comprehensive energy reform policy in Congress, we must be aware of the important contributions volunteers have on our great country. Volunteer firefighters, civic group leaders, and others who give so much of their time and resources are what make our community and our country a great place to live, work, and raise a family.