Congressman John Carter (TX-31) testified in front of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs today about his bill, H.R. 1133, the Veterans Transplant Coverage Act of 2017. This legislation enables the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide transplants for veterans, even if the live donor is a non-veteran, at the facility of their choice.

“Current law restricts veterans from receiving an organ donation from a non-veteran. This policy means that children, siblings, and other non-veteran family members willing to donate, are not eligible to receive VA care for the operation. This foolish policy has life or death consequences for the men and women that have bravely served our nation,” Congressman John Carter said. 

“The Veterans Transplant Coverage Act was inspired by the Nelson family from my district. Charles Nelson served his country nobly and is now 100% disabled. When Charles needed a kidney transplant, his son, Austin, was a match. When it came time for the operation, the VA system denied him coverage. The VA’s decision forced the Nelson’s to solicit donations to complete the transplant surgery to save Charles’ life. After hearing that the Nelson’s had to fundraise and drain their savings because of the VA’s policy, I knew that I had to bring this fight to Washington.

“Today, the Nelson family and I joined together to bring their story to Congress, so DC can understand that the VA’s policies have a real impact on our veterans and their families. Unfortunately, the Nelson’s story is one of far too many.   To the veterans that have come before and been denied life-saving coverage, you deserve better.

“The Veterans Transplant Coverage Act ensures that no other American hero is denied transplant coverage ever again.”

Rep. Carter represents Texas District 31, which includes Fort Hood, the largest active duty armored military installation in the free world. He serves as Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, co-chairman of the Congressional Army Caucus, is on the Subcommittee for Commerce, Justice and Science and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.