Neal Dunn: “Let me start by saying thank you to Vice Chairman Bilirakis; and to our chairman, Dr. Roe; and also to the ranking…”

“Let me start by saying thank you to Vice Chairman Bilirakis; and to our chairman, Dr. Roe; and also to the ranking member, Sergeant Major Walz from Minnesota. It has been great to work with them. They have been very helpful with this bill. I am honored to speak in support of my legislation, H.R. 2601, the Veterans Increased Choice for Transplanted Organs and Recovery, or VICTOR, Act. America owes our veterans every advantage when it comes to receiving an organ or bone marrow transplant, yet the current VA transplant policy often runs counter to the medical interest of the patient. There are only 14 facilities in the Nation where a veteran may receive a transplant in the VA healthcare system, and none of these facilities perform all types of transplants. Timely organ transplants often represent the difference between life and death. Unfortunately, due to government bureaucracy, our veterans are often forced to travel hundreds or thousands of miles repeatedly in order to get the chance to receive a new liver, heart, or kidney. That travel alone can prove fatal. Traveling to get a transplant isn't the only obstacle these patients face. Oftentimes, it is the program itself. The limited size and scope of the VA transplant program means veterans have a lower chance of getting a transplant and a greater chance of dying while on the waiting list.…”