Texas Representative Beth Van Duyne (R) recently introduced the “Saving Organs One Flight at a Time Act”. The new legislation uses common-sense reforms to improve the air transportation of human organs.
After the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11th, 2001, the ability for human organs to fly above the wings of commercial aircraft was removed. Because of this, organs have to be stored in the cargo hold of the plane, which Rep. Van Duyne believes causes “confusion.”
“When I visited the Southwest Transplant Alliance in Dallas last month, I was appalled to learn that bureaucratic red tape is preventing viable organs from reaching patients in need,” said Rep. Van Duyne.
The Texas Representative states that her proposed legislation will make it simpler to transport the organs.
“I’m introducing the Saving Organs One Flight at a Time Act to make it easier to transport life-saving organs. Over the last two decades, it’s become unnecessarily difficult to fly these vital organs to recipients, and we must come together to pass these reforms in the interest of saving more lives.”
The legislation was cosponsored by the President and CEO of the Southwest Transplant Alliance.
“Organ donors and their families selflessly give the gift of life to those who await a life-saving transplant,” said Bradley L. Adams.
Adams stressed the value of the donated organs, stating that they should be treated as such.
“We owe it to these heroes to make sure their gifts are handled with the utmost care. This legislation will do just that, and we are proud to have partnered with Congresswoman Van Duyne to bring it forward.”
In other news, Texas Representative Veronica Escobar (D) shared her support for a revised version of existing legislation known as the National Defense Authorization Act of 2024.
The James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act is a United States federal law that specifies the budget, expenditures and policies of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) for fiscal year 2024.
In a tweet, Rep. Escobar expressed her desire to work with fellow politicians to pass an updated version of the National Defense Authorization Act. However, the Texas lawmaker will have to work with members outside of her party to get true bipartisan policies that benefit Americans in effect.
“This morning, @HASCDemocrats began consideration of the #FY24NDAA. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass a National Defense Authorization Act that reflects our nation’s values and supports our servicemembers, @FortBlissTexas, and El Paso,” stated Rep. Escobar.
