Yesterday, Congressman John Moolenaar's bipartisan bill, H.R. 7188, the Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act, was passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee.

The bill would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct research and education campaigns to prevent outbreaks of tuberculosis (TB) from infected human cell and tissue products (HCTP). Additionally, the bill requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to update critical guidance for HCTP providers and companies.

“The tragic passing of Shandra Eisenga should have never happened, and I am pleased my bill in her memory is moving forward. This vital bipartisan legislation will prevent future tuberculosis outbreaks with additional oversight on donor material providers, and serve as an honor to Shandra’s legacy. I will continue my work to make it law and stop deadly TB outbreaks,” said Moolenaar.

The Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act is a response to the passing of Shandra Eisenga of Marion on August 10, 2023, due to complications from tuberculosis she contracted through a bone graft she received in April 2023. Eisenga was one of 36 patients in seven states to contract tuberculosis from a tissue donation originating from this donor material, resulting in two deaths.

Moolenaar's bill is co-lead by Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow have also introduced the legislation in the United States Senate. In August 2023, Moolenaar, Dingell, Peters, and Stabenow called on FDA Commissioner Robert Calif to do more to prevent outbreaks of TB.