Statement by Tommy G. Thompson
Secretary of Health and Human Services
Regarding Senate Passage of the Organ Donation and Recovery Improvement Act

I congratulate the Senate for unanimously approving the "Organ Donation and Recovery Improvement Act" sponsored by Senators Frist and Dodd. I thank the House for their work in passing an organ donation bill earlier this year and anticipate a speedy conference. This bill authorizes $25 million for fiscal year 2004 for a variety of efforts to increase donation including providing reimbursement of the travel and subsistence costs associated with living donation; providing greater resources to states to expand their public education and outreach efforts; and awarding grants to establish programs to coordinate organ donation activities of eligible hospitals and organ procurement organizations. These authorizations compliment and strengthen the Gift of Life Initiative I launched in 2001.

The list of those needing an organ has grown to over 83,000. The need for organs continues to grow faster than the supply. I am passionate about continuing to increase organ donation in this country to save and enhance thousands of lives. I encourage Congress to continue their efforts on this bill to give the Department of Health and Human Services additional tools to encourage more people to give the gift of life.

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Last Revised: November 26, 2003