February 14, 2006

Mr. Speaker,

I rise today to introduce the “Gift of Life Congressional Medal Act of 2006.”  This legislation creates a Congressional commemorative medal for organ donors and their families, recognizing the brave and self-less act of organ donation.  I want to thank Senator Frist, a heart and lung transplant surgeon himself, for introducing companion legislation in the Senate.

 There is a serious shortage of available and suitable organs for donation. Over 90,000 people are currently waiting for an organ transplant; over 2,200 of these are children under age 18.  Over 30,000 new patients are added to the waiting list each year.  Because of low donor rates, in 2004 alone over 6,150 people died for lack of a suitable organ. An estimated 12,000 people die each year that meet the criteria for organ donation.  Less than half actually become organ donors. Recognition of these gifts of life would publicize the critical need to increase organ donation.

Physicians can now successfully transplant kidneys, lungs, pancreases, intestine, livers, and hearts with considerable success. But, without expanded efforts to increase organ donation, the supply of suitable organs will continue to lag behind the need. Incentive programs and public education are critical to maintaining and increasing the number of organs donated each year.

Health and Human Services (HHS) has already implemented initiatives to raise the public awareness of this vital act of giving life. The Gift of Life Congressional Medal Act is a great opportunity for us to work with HHS to draw attention to this life-saving issue. It sends a clear message that donating one's organs is an act that should receive the profound respect of our nation.

The Gift of Life Congressional Medal Act establishes a nonprofit fund to be used to design, produce, and distribute a Congressional commemorative medal to organ donors or to a surviving family member. Enactment of this legislation would have no cost to the Federal Government.  The Treasury Department would provide a small initial loan for start-up purposes, which would be fully repaid. Subsequently, the program would be self-sufficient through charitable donations.

This is non-controversial, non-partisan legislation to increase the rate of organ donation. I ask my colleagues to help bring an end to transplant waiting lists and recognize the enormous faith and courage displayed by organ donors and their families. This bill honors these brave acts, while publicizing the critical need for increased organ donation. I urge swift passage of the Gift of Life Congressional Medal Act.