New Concerns Emerge as House Probes Organ Procurement Failures

Rep. Jason Smith, R-Mo., revealed Tuesday that new whistleblower reports and alarming testimony are intensifying a House investigation into the nation’s organ procurement organizations. He stressed lawmakers are uncovering widespread failures in an industry responsible for safeguarding lifesaving donations.

The House Ways and Means Committee chair told Newsmax’s “Rob Schmitt Tonight” that Congress is scrutinizing a growing list of systemic issues within the country’s transplant system. This push came on the same day lawmakers held a hearing titled “Lives at Stake: Holding Tax-Exempt Organ Procurement Organizations Accountable.”

During the hearing, lawmakers heard harrowing testimony detailing cancerous organs transplanted into patients, organs abandoned or discarded, and attempts to harvest organs from individuals who showed clear signs of life. Smith emphasized that these unacceptable practices demand immediate attention.

“You know, it’s absolutely unacceptable. That should never happen,” he stated emphatically.

Smith pointed out the scale of the problem: “There were 48,000 donor recipients last year. We have to make sure people are safe whenever they either donate or receive an organ.” He noted that proper verification requires ensuring donors are confirmed deceased.

He further explained that whistleblower accounts prompted Congress to demand additional records from specific organ procurement organizations operating in New Jersey, Kentucky, and Florida.

The experiences shared at the hearing reinforced lawmakers’ concerns. Heather Knuckles detailed how her mother died after receiving an organ later found to be cancerous. “The donor, who we now know had cancer, was somehow eligible for harvesting,” she said. “This does not make sense.”

Similarly, former organ procurement employee Nycki Martin spoke of being dismissed after raising alarms about efforts to secure organs from a patient showing clear signs of life.

Smith also addressed concerns over alleged misuse of funds, including potential cases involving “limousine vacations.” He emphasized the need for accountability and transparency: “We’re finding all kinds of stuff—whether it’s fund mismanagement or inadequate safeguards.”

He concluded that stronger oversight is essential to restore public confidence in the system.