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WILKES-BARRE — President Donald Trump on Wednesday recognized U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright as the president unveiled an executive order to help increase kidney donations across the United States, and to provide better care for the thousands of Americans who suffer from kidney disease.

Cartwright, D-Moosic, spearheaded a letter sent in March to the administration, signed by 34 lawmakers of both parties, asking for action to promote organ donation and remove barriers for those who give the gift of life.

During the ceremony — which took place at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center in the nation’s capital — Trump thanked Cartwright for his role in pushing the policy forward.

“Thanks also to Sen. Todd Young, and Representatives Michael Burgess and Matt Cartwright. Thank you for this,” Trump said.

The odd endorsement comes just two weeks after longtime Trump supporter Lou Barletta was mentioned as a possible candidate to oppose Cartwright in the 2020 election, when Trump will be seeking his second term in the White House.

For years, Cartwright has introduced legislation to address America’s organ transplant shortage and allow for innovative methods to increase organ availability.

“I’m gratified to have the White House adopt our proposal in this executive order,” Cartwright said. “Too many people have died waiting for a kidney donation in this country, and we have to make the process easier for the donors.”

Cartwright’s bipartisan March letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar requested the administration’s support in helping Americans give the gift of life.

Specifically, the letter asked for changes that would allow living organ donors to receive assistance that would cover lost wages, child care, and other unreimbursed expenses related to their donation.

These changes were included in the president’s executive order.

Among other things, the administration’s Executive Order on Advancing American Kidney Health calls for expanding the definition of allowable costs that can be reimbursed under the Reimbursement of Travel and Subsistence Expenses Incurred Toward Living Organ Donation program, allowing reimbursement for lost wages, as well as child-care and elder-care expenses.

Barletta, who served in Congress for four terms, opted not to seek a fifth term in 2018, choosing to run against incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Casey. Casey won a third 6-year term, defeating Barletta handily.

Barletta, a Republican, represented the 11th Congressional District, but since districts were re-drawn, Hazleton is now in the 8th Congressional District which Cartwright represents.

Contacted Wednesday, Barletta said he remains undecided about entering the race, but said he has received encouragement from national GOP groups.

Trump
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Barletta
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Cartwright
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By Bill O’Boyle

[email protected]

Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.