[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 41 (Thursday, March 13, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E467]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 ORGAN DONATION IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2003

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                               speech of

                             HON. DAVE CAMP

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 12, 2003

  Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 399, 
the Organ Donation Improvement Act of 2003. Simply stated, this bill 
will promote organ donation by removing existing barriers to living 
organ donation and educating the public.
  Right now there is simply not enough organs to meet the needs of 
patients waiting for them on the transplant lists. The challenge before 
us is to maximize the number of available organs and to maximize the 
recovery of organs available for donation. When an organ becomes 
available for transplant, we must spare no resource to ensure that it 
is delivered to a patient in need and this bill is a work towards 
reaching that goal.
  Behind every number is a person. Some are waiting for a life-saving 
or life-enhancing transplant. Others celebrate the gift of life they 
have received.
  The mission of this bill is to change the numbers, by increasing the 
number of organ and tissue donors, ultimately saving more lives. It is 
my hope that this outreach will educate the public about organ and 
tissue donation, correct misconceptions about donation, and create a 
greater willingness to donate.
  Mr. Speaker, this is a good bill and a step in the right direction. 
As a long time advocate for organ donation, I urge support for this 
bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

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