Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne (R-TX-24) and Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO-05) led a bipartisan group of 27 lawmakers in requesting Transportation Secretary Duffy and Acting FAA Administrator Rocheleau support the Organ Transportation Working Group that was established by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. The working group is tasked with developing recommendations for in-cabin transportation of lifesaving donor organs to reach patients safely and efficiently. 

"Bureaucratic red tape has made it more difficult to fly lifesaving organs, which is why we are continuing our work to ensure these gifts of life make it to recipients quickly and safely," said Rep. Van Duyne. "I'm glad to work with Rep. Cleaver and our colleagues on this bipartisan effort, and look forward to seeing the working group continue with Secretary Duffy's support."

“Organ donation is one of the greatest gifts one can leave when they depart from this world—and it’s imperative that every organ provided is treated with the care and respect worthy of such a life-saving donation,” said Rep. Cleaver. “I’m proud to join Congresswoman Van Duyne in leading the bipartisan call to encourage Secretary Duffy, the Department of Transportation, and the FAA to support the important efforts of the Organ Transportation Working Group, which will ensure more lifesaving donations reach patients safely and efficiently.”

The lawmakers noted in their letter:

Since the attacks on September 11th, donor organs have been transported as cargo through the commercial air system. This practice can result in logistical issues that heighten the risk of an organ not being able to be transplanted. Allowing organs to fly above the wing in the cabin of an airplane will reduce logistical risks and ensure donor organs reach their intended organ transplant recipients safely and efficiently. We encourage the Organ Transportation Working Group to continue developing recommendations for the in-cabin transportation of lifesaving donor organs to meet the statutory requirements for release in 2025. These modernizations are critical to ensuring proper stewardship of the gifts of life from organ donors and their families and organ transplant patients.

“With over 100,000 people on the waitlist, we must do everything possible to protect donor organs and ensure everyone gets the transplants they need,” said Maureen McBride, Ph.D., CEO of the United Network for Organ Sharing. “We must prioritize the safe and efficient transportation of donated organs by allowing them to travel in the main cabin of airplanes – rather than in the cargo hold – to ensure organs are handled with care and avoid damage, delay or loss. Thank you, Congresswoman Van Duyne, Congressman Cleaver, and other members of Congress for your support in the FAA and DOT working group dedicated to addressing this lifesaving issue.” 

Van Duyne and Cleaver have consistently led their colleagues in efforts to ensure the safe and efficient transportation of lifesaving organs. Rep. Van Duyne also serves as Co-Chair of the Congressional Organ Transplant Caucus.

Click here to read the full letter.

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