[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 18 (Tuesday, February 14, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E141]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    INTRODUCTION OF THE GIFT OF LIFE CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL ACT OF 2006

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                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 14, 2006

  Mr. STARK. 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 selfless 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.

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