On the recordNovember 12, 2013
I want to thank the chairman of the subcommittee for yielding time. Mr. Speaker, the HOPE Act is exactly the kind of bipartisan legislation that will improve lives and have a positive impact on our health care system. As a physician for nearly 30 years who has participated in and conducted medical research, I know firsthand how medical innovation often outpaces government laws and regulations. This is one such example: As an anesthesiologist, I have had the privilege of taking care of many patients for transplant surgery, and I have seen numerous times the lifesaving joy that an organ transplant brings to patients and their families. The HOPE Act changes an outdated law by making government work in a more efficient and effective manner for all patients needing transplants, both those with HIV and those without, which is exactly what the American people expect from us here in Washington and from their elected officials. Mr. Speaker, it is time to move the HIV Organ Policy Equity Act, S. 330. I want to commend the gentlelady from California for working with me to get this bill through. People are waiting for these organs. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on S. 330 later tonight.
