Bringing Transparency to Organ Donation
Last week, I sent a bipartisan letter to the Department of Health and Human Services concerning their oversight procedures for the organ procurement and transplantation system in the United States. This probe comes after numerous inspector general audits and news reports raised questions about the adequacy of patient safety standards, suggested thousands of available organs are not being used, and highlighted questionable financial practices of some organ procurement organizations (OPOs).
The Department’s own data suggests that thousands of lifesaving organs go unrecovered every year, and investigative reporting has highlighted significant lapses in quality control and patient safety, including a recent report about a patient who died after the organ procurement organization responsible for the transplant incorrectly identified the donor’s blood type.
Concerns regarding the Department’s role in overseeing our nation’s organ procurement organizations stem from Inspector General audits and reports, whistleblower accounts, investigative reporting, and research. Additionally, internal analysis has shed light on the gaps in the federal government’s oversight, resulting in fraud, waste, and abuse of our nation’s Medicare program and American taxpayer dollars.
Full text of the letter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar can be found HERE.
My Connected MOM Act to Improve Health Care for Expectant Mothers
Indiana has historically had one of the worst maternal mortality rates in the country, with minority communities suffering the most. I’ve long been working to tackle this crisis and was proud to help introduce the bipartisan Connected MOM Act, which aims to expand coverage for remote health monitoring devices for mothers enrolled in Medicaid.
Research indicates that roughly 60 percent of maternal deaths in the United States can be prevented through patient care, education, and timely interventions. The Connected MOM Act will help improve care and identify potential issues before they become life-threatening.
Read more about my bill HERE.
Big News: $354.6 Million for West Lake Corridor Project
Last week’s announcement of $354.6 million in federal funding for the West Lake Corridor Project is the result of years of work alongside Governor Holcomb, Congressman Visclosky, and countless local supporters. The West Lake Corridor Project is a crucial infrastructure investment that will bolster job creation and economic growth in Northwest Indiana. I’m extremely proud of what this commuter rail project will mean for Indiana, and I look forward to seeing its advancement in coming months.
The project includes four new stations: a Gateway station in north Hammond, a station at 173rd street in Hammond, a station at Ridge Road in Munster and a station at the border of Munster and Dyer off of Main Street. Additionally, a new maintenance facility will be built in north Hammond.
Construction is expected to finish in late 2024 with passenger service starting in early 2025.
Supporting Thomas Kirsch for Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals
Thomas Kirsch has devoted his life to the pursuit of justice. As U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, he fearlessly took on public corruption, gang violence, and terrorist activity, and he served honorably in the U.S. Department of Justice for more than a decade. Senator Braun and I fully support Mr. Kirsch's nomination to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, and look forward to a swift confirmation process.
This seat was previously held by recently confirmed Supreme Court Associate Justice Amy Coney Barrett.
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