Enactment of this legislation would have no cost to the Federal Government. The Treasury Department would provide an initial loan to OPTN for start-up purposes, which would be fully repaid. From then on, the program would be self-sufficient through charitable donations. The donor or family member would have the option of receiving the Congressional Gift of Life Medal. Families would also be able to request that a Member of Congress, state or local official, or community leader award the medal to the donor or donor's survivors.
Physicians can now transplant kidneys, lungs, pancreas, liver, and heart with considerable success.
The demand for organs will continue to grow with the improvement of medical technologies. Without expanded efforts to increase the supply of organ donation, the supply of suitable organs will continue to lag behind the need. 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 donations.