Helping America Recover from Hurricane Katrina
New Hampshire's Second District Web Site  ·  Charlie Bass
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All of us have been affected and disturbed by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Like you, I am extremely concerned for the citizens who remain in New Orleans and other damaged communities, and I believe that rescue and humanitarian efforts must continue to address this horrific situation. Many of you have called my office and indicated both support and frustration with the current initiatives and these sincere, compelling views are very helpful.

If anyone has been unable to get in touch with loved ones residing in or visiting the area affected by the hurricane, please contact my Concord office at (603) 226-0249 so that we may help you launch a formal search. You may also contact the American Red Cross at (866) 438-4636 to report missing persons, but I encourage you to allow me to assist you in any way that I can.

Granite Staters are responding generously in the wake of this tremendous tragedy. Residents all over the state have been digging into their wallets and pocketbooks to donate to those in need. People wishing to contribute time or resources to assist in relief efforts are encouraged to contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-HELP-NOW or http://www.redcross.org/, the Fire and Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at http://www.fema.gov or The New Hampshire Citizen Corp at http://www.nhcitizencorps.org/.

Sadly, such periods of great generosity are also times when we must guard against those who would use these moments of distress to take advantage of the better angels of their nature. As Americans continue to donate record-breaking amounts to relief efforts, reports of fake charity scams and phony Internet solicitation are beginning to appear as they always do when emotions, patriotism, and need runs high. I encourage you to review these Federal Trade Commission's tips for giving wisely at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/tmarkg/charity.htm

I am also very concerned about the impact of gasoline price increases caused by Katrina on Granite State families. While the Gulf of Mexico region's platforms, pipelines, port terminals, and refineries are being repaired and brought back into production, we also need to be sure consumers are being treated fairly. Price gouging and collusion is illegal and should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

In response to both issues, I have reintroduced the American Spirit Fraud Prevention Act to increase the penalties for individuals seeking to commit fraudulent solicitations or engage in price manipulation in violation of federal law during times of national emergency. The American Spirit Fraud Prevention Act was originally introduced in 2001 in response to accounts of impropriety following the September 11 terrorist attacks. Although it passed the House at that time, no action was taken in the Senate. I encourage you to read my press release on the introduction of the legislation by visiting my list of 2005 Press Releases.

In addition, I have established a special web form for New Hampshire's motorists to report suspected instances of price manipulation. If you believe there has been price-gouging or price-fixing in your neighborhood, please provide me as much of the information on this special form as you can so that I may pass it on to federal officials for enforcement.


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