[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 149 (Thursday, September 18, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1849]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        ``STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES GIFT OF LIFE MEDAL ACT OF 2008''

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 2008

  Mr. STARK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the ``Stephanie 
Tubbs Jones Gift of Life Medal Act of 2008'' with my colleague Mr. Camp 
of Michigan. Representative Tubbs Jones' life ended as she lived it; by 
exemplifying concern for the welfare of others. She donated her organs 
in the waning hours of her life so that the lives of others could 
continue. In that spirit, this legislation creates a commemorative 
medal for organ donors and their families, recognizing the brave and 
selfless act of organ donation.
  As I well know from my time on the Ways and Means Health 
Subcommittee, Representative Tubbs Jones worked tirelessly to remedy 
health disparities in our Nation. Organ donation is one area where 
dramatic health disparities exist, which makes this all the more of a 
fitting tribute. While minorities donate organs in proportion to their 
population, the rate of organ donations fails to keep pace with the 
need for transplants in the population.
  Minority populations account for close to 50 percent of the nearly 
100,000 people who are currently waiting for organ transplants. Since 
the national transplant waiting list began, over 80,000 donation-
eligible Americans have died waiting for an organ to become available; 
in 2007 alone, over 6,500 people died for lack of a suitable organ. 
Donating an organ to someone whose life depends on it is laudable, and 
it should be recognized and encouraged. The Stephanie Tubbs Jones Gift 
of Life Medal Act sends a clear message that donating one's organs is 
an act that should receive the profound respect of our Nation.
  I would like to thank Former Senate Majority Leader, and transplant 
surgeon, Dr. William H. Frist, for whom this bill was named in an 
earlier version in this Congress (H.R. 1765/S. 1062). Dr. Frist was a 
tireless advocate of organ donors and their families during his time in 
the Senate. He worked on behalf of the Gift of Life Medal Act for years 
and has expressed strong support for renaming the bill for 
Representative Tubbs Jones. We appreciate his graciousness in doing so.
  This legislation directs the Treasury department to design and 
produce a commemorative medal that the Department of Health and Human 
Services will award to organ donors or to a surviving family member. 
Enactment of this legislation would have no cost to the Federal 
Government. Funding for the medals would be self-sufficient through 
charitable donations.
  This is non-controversial, non-partisan legislation to increase the 
rate of organ donation while honoring the life and service of our 
colleague, Representative Tubbs Jones. I ask my colleagues to help 
bring an end to transplant waiting lists and recognize the enormous 
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 Stephanie Tubbs Jones Gift 
of Life Medal Act.

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