[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H4464]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LEGACY AND LIFE OF LAUREN SHIELDS

  (Mr. LAWLER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary 
legacy and life of Lauren Shields, who recently passed away at just 26 
years old.
  Lauren was the definition of a fighter. After receiving a lifesaving 
heart transplant as a child and a kidney transplant from her mother in 
2020, she chose to dedicate her life to serving others.
  A proud graduate of Albertus Magnus High School and Dominican 
University, Lauren became a tireless advocate for organ donation, 
helping pass Lauren's Law, which expanded New York's organ donor 
registry, before serving as a community and government affairs liaison 
at LiveOnNY.
  I had the privilege of knowing Lauren. I was proud to call her a 
friend. Even in passing, Lauren gave hope to others as a tissue donor. 
Today, thousands of Americans are waiting for a lifesaving organ 
transplant. Lauren's legacy reminds us that one decision can save lives 
and give families more time.
  I urge all of my colleagues and all Americans to consider registering 
as organ donors.
  My deepest condolences go out to Lauren's parents, Jeanne and David; 
her brother, Brandon; and all of her loved ones. As Ralph Waldo Emerson 
said: It is not length of life, but depth of life.
  In her short life, Lauren made the Hudson Valley and our country a 
better place. May she rest in peace.

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