Moolenaar & Dingell Introduce Shandra Eisenga TB Study Act

Congressman John Moolenaar and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell introduced the Shandra Eisenga TB Study Act. This legislation would direct the Department of Health and Human Services to study the feasibility of a standardized tuberculosis test for tissue provided from human cadavers. 

"If there was a standardized test for TB in tissue donations from human cadavers, Shandra may be alive today. HHS must conduct this crucial research and explore how this testing can be done," said Congressman Moolenaar. "This bipartisan bill will do just that and take a necessary first step towards preventing more families from experiencing the heartache Shandra's has been through."

"No family should ever have to endure the preventable tragedy that Shandra’s family went through. When a patient receives a tissue transplant, they and their loved ones deserve absolute certainty that the donation is safe and free from disease," said Congresswoman Dingell. "By directing public health leaders to study the feasibility of a standardized tuberculosis test for cadaveric tissue, this bipartisan legislation closes a dangerous gap in our safety protocols.”

The bill is a response to the August 2023 passing of Shandra Eisenga, of Marion, due to complications from a tuberculosis infection. Eisenga contracted TB after receiving a bone graft in April 2023 using a tissue donation from an infected donor. 

Moolenaar and Dingell led the Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act which unanimously passed the House of Representatives on June 23, 2025.

The text of the Shandra Eisenga TB Study Act can be found here.