“This is a banner day in the effort to improve the organ transplant system in the United States,” Wyden declared. “For too long, the system has been ineffective and unaccountable, forcing thousands of families to watch a loved one suffer while awaiting an organ transplant. With the passage of this measure, that will begin to change. The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network will become more accountable, knowledgeable, and effective, enabling more Americans to receive a potentially life-saving transplant. We have made progress, and I want to thank my political colleagues. We look forward to continue our effort to make this system better so that it lives up to the great expectations that American families have for it.
“Over the course of my nearly two decades of work advocating for changes to U.S. organ donation laws, I’ve heard far too many accounts of people who died as a result of medical malpractice and system abuse. By addressing the numerous shortcomings that have plagued the organ procurement network, with disastrous results, today’s bill signing marks a new chapter in our country’s organ donation system. Thousands of people, including the almost 600 Iowans who are presently awaiting an organ transplant, will benefit from this law, according to Grassley.
The Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act’s passage into law, according to Cardin, “moves the nation towards a more transparent and equitable system that will save lives.” “I’m proud of the work done by my colleagues and the Senate Finance Committee to adopt significant, bipartisan legislation that will enhance the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN). Now, more patients, especially those in underprivileged areas, will have access to transplants in a safe and effective manner.
“For thousands of Americans who require life-saving transplants, today is a significant day. The bipartisan Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act enacts the required changes to the organ donation and transplantation system to assist assure accountability and transformation. The passage of this life-saving legislation makes me happy.