Edward M. Kennedy: “I urge the Senate to support H.R. 2659, the Organ Transplant Reauthorization Act. This legislation addresses the need…”

“I urge the Senate to support H.R. 2659, the Organ Transplant Reauthorization Act. This legislation addresses the need for reform in the organ procurement and allocation system. I particularly commend Senator Kassebaum and Senator Wofford for their efforts, and the work of the other members of the Labor Committee on this important legislation. Twelve years ago the attention of the Nation focused on Jamie Fiske of Massachusetts as her father appealed to people in all parts of the country for help in finding a liver to save his daughter's life. Jamie is doing well today, but unfortunately over 30,000 people like her are waiting for life saving organ transplants. Currently, the median waiting times vary from a few months to a few years in different parts of the country. Organ demand has increased by 50 percent since 1988 but organ donation rates have barely changed. We need to close the widening gap between the number of available organs and the number of patients in need of transplants. In addition, a patient waiting for an organ in one area should not have a substantially longer or shorter waiting time than a patient in similar condition in a nearby area. The reauthorization of the organ transplant program seeks to increase donation and to promote more equitable organ allocation. The bill reauthorizes funding at $8 million in fiscal year 1994, and such sums as may be necessary in 1995, and 1996.”