Timely Reauthorization of Necessary Stem-Cell Programs Lends Access to Needed Therapies Act of 2019

Floor Speech

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Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4764, the Timely Reauthorization of Necessary Stem-Cell Programs Lends Access to Needed Therapies, or the TRANSPLANT, Act.

As co-chair of the Blood Cancers Caucus, I urge my colleagues to support the TRANSPLANT Act. This bill is about providing hope to those who are struggling with life-threatening illnesses.

The TRANSPLANT Act reauthorizes the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program in addition to the National Cord Blood Inventory. I know that this was a priority for Congressman Young, and it was an honor to serve with him and help him pass this bill initially.

This Federal program provides critical support in the advancement of research for better treatments and the infrastructure necessary to organize registries which help ensure transplant patients have access to lifesaving procedures. Simply put, its continued reauthorization is vital for patients with diseases like blood disorders, blood cancer, sickle cell anemia, and inherited metabolic or immune system disorders.

I sincerely appreciate the work of my friend and colleague and fellow Blood Cancers Caucus co-chair, Congresswoman Matsui, in addition to the legacy of bipartisan leadership and support of these programs by Members like Congressman Chris Smith and, of course, our good chairman and ranking member.

Additionally, I appreciate the critical daily work of the National Marrow Donor Program, operating the Be the Match national registry, connecting patients in search of a cure with lifesaving bone marrow donors, even in the midst of this historic pandemic.

I also would like to take a moment to recognize the great work of Dr. Joanne Kurtzberg, the president of the Cord Blood Association. She also serves in multiple roles at Duke University, including director of the Carolinas Cord Blood Bank.

Dr. Kurtzberg has dedicated her professional career to cord blood research, banking, and transplantation, and is an internationally recognized umbilical cord blood transplanter. She advised Congress on the creation of the public cord blood banking program, which was part of the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005, and I believe that was led by Representative Chris Smith. Dr. Kurtzberg continues to be a trusted adviser to Congress on this important program.

Again, I urge my colleagues to join us in expediting the passage of this lifesaving bipartisan bill, and it is a very crucial bill for a lot of people, Madam Speaker.

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