[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 156 (Sunday, September 28, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2120]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES GIFT OF LIFE MEDAL, ACT OF 2008

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. DAVE CAMP

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 23, 2008

  Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I wish to express my strong support of H.R. 
6950, the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Gift of Life Medal Act.
  I was pleased to work with Chairman Pete Stark to craft this bill 
that recognizes those that have donated their organs, and gave the gift 
of life. And it is a fitting tribute to name this bill in honor of our 
late colleague, Stephanie Tubbs Jones. A dedicated public servant to 
the end, she too gave the Gift of Life, helping over 50 individuals.
  Enacting this bill will give the thousands of Americans who also 
donated their organs appropriate recognition for their tremendous gift 
by presenting them with a Congressionally-sponsored medal. Each year, 
individuals donate approximately 14,000 organs. This is an amazing 
success and they should be recognized. Yet there are still nearly 
100,000 individuals waiting for transplants.
  In order to further encourage individuals to consider organ donation, 
Congress must publicly thank those that have made this selfless and 
living saving decision.
  I also want to take this opportunity to thank Former Senate Majority 
Leader, Dr. Bill Frist. As a transplant surgeon and sponsor of this 
legislation in previous years, Dr. Frist helped to encourage greater 
organ donation. Mr. Stark and I introduced an earlier version of this 
bill in honor of Dr. Frist, who has endorsed H.R. 6950. Enclosed is a 
copy of Dr.
  Finally, I want to thank the Tubbs Jones family for allowing this 
bill to be named in her honor. I am proud that we will pass this bill 
to ensure that through tragedy, lives will be saved and honored.


                                                Nashville, TN,

                                               September 15, 2008.
     Hon. Pete Stark,
     Chairman, Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, Longworth House 
         Office Building, Washington, DC.
     Hon. Dave Camp,
     Ranking Member, Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, Cannon 
         House Office Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Stark and Ranking Member Camp: Thank you for 
     your leadership on the Gift of Life Congressional Medal.
       Like you, I am truly inspired by those that donate their 
     organs. I can think of no act that is more honorable or 
     selfless, and it is befitting of Congress to pass this act to 
     recognize these outstanding individuals and their families. I 
     was pleased to sponsor this legislation in the Senate.
       It is also extremely fitting to name this legislation in 
     honor of the late Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. A 
     tireless advocate for those in need, she cemented her legacy 
     by donating her organs and tissue, which will help over 50 
     individuals. Her act, and the thousands that have come before 
     it, must be recognized.
       Each year, there are nearly 14,000 organs that are donated. 
     As a transplant surgeon, I have seen firsthand how lives are 
     transformed through these miraculous gifts. For me, it is a 
     privilege to be part of the transplantation process. I am 
     continually amazed at the advances in technology that make 
     transplants more successful every year.
       While advances are being made, there are still too few 
     donors--nearly 100,000 people are waiting on national 
     transplant lists. To encourage more donors, we should make 
     every effort to recognize those that make this life-saving 
     decision. I believe creating a Gift of Life Congressional 
     Medal is critically important to increasing awareness on this 
     issue.
       Again, please accept my sincere appreciation for your work 
     and strong support for naming the Gift of Life Congressional 
     Medal Act in honor of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. It 
     is a fitting tribute for such an outstanding and committed 
     woman.
           Sincerely,
     William H. Frist.

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