Moolenaar, Dingell Legislation to Stop Deadly TB Outbreaks Passed by House
Today, Congressman John Moolenaar and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell’s bipartisan legislation, the Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act, was unanimously passed by the House of Representatives. The legislation requires the Department of Health and Human Services to make reforms regarding the screening of tissue donation materials, conduct education campaigns, and impose penalties on tissue providers who fail to prevent tuberculosis outbreaks.
The lawmakers introduced the bill in honor of Shandra Eisenga, of Marion, who passed away on August 10, 2023 due to a tuberculosis infection. Eisenga was one of 36 patients in seven states to contract TB after receiving a bone graft containing infected tissue donor material.
“I am grateful for the overwhelming bipartisan support for our legislation honoring Shandra's legacy. This bill will help prevent TB infections from bone grafts and save families from experiencing the pain and sadness that Shandra’s family has tragically endured. Our legislation accomplishes this by ensuring the FDA requires screening for TB and holds tissue suppliers responsible for infections they spread. I will continue my work in Congress to ensure this commonsense legislation is signed into law,” said Moolenaar.
“Shandra Eisenga’s death was a preventable tragedy, and we owe it to Shandra, her family, and every other patient who has been affected by contaminated bone grafts to ensure we’re doing everything possible to prevent future cases like this,” said Dingell. “As someone who had multiple bone grafts after osteomyelitis, I was never warned about the dangers. We must do more to educate patients, make sure they are aware of the risks of human cell and tissue product transplants, and implement additional safeguards to protect patients from the dangers of these infections. I’m thankful to Congressman Moolenaar for his partnership, to the University of Michigan doctors who brought this issue to our attention, and most importantly, to Shandra’s family for their tireless advocacy. I am optimistic this legislation will pass the senate and be signed into law.”
Moolenaar with Shandra Eisenga's family, in December 2024.
The text of the Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act can be found here. Moolenaar spoke during the debate of the legislation on the House floor about Shandra's tragic story and the need for reform. Moolenaar's remarks can be viewed here.