Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, praises the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for supporting President Trump’s Advancing American Kidney Health Initiative by finalizing rules that increase access to kidney transplantation and home dialysis and expand support for living organ donors.

"Nearly 100,000 Americans are waiting to receive a new kidney. These patients have too few options for care and even fewer options for cures. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ new model for patients with chronic kidney disease will provide patients more choices and incentivize utilization of kidney transplants and home dialysis. I appreciate this value-based approach to improve the quality of kidney care.

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) rule will drastically expand support for living donors while easing the financial burdens they encounter. Living organ donation is a viable option for those waiting to receive a life-changing transplant. I agree with HRSA Administrator Engels that this action will increase the number of organs available. As a long-time supporter of the Living Donor Protection Act, I am encouraged to see the advancement of impactful policy for living donors. 

I appreciate President Trump and his administration’s commitment to pursue innovative health care solutions that will make a difference in American lives,” said Burgess.