HONORING THE LEGACY AND LIFE OF LAUREN SHIELDS

On 2026-07-14, Representative Michael Lawler (R-NY-17) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LEGACY AND LIFE OF LAUREN SHIELDS" in the House.

HONORING THE LEGACY AND LIFE OF LAUREN SHIELDS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [House] [Page H4464] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LEGACY AND LIFE OF LAUREN SHIELDS (Mr. LAWLER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary legacy and life of Lauren Shields, who recently passed away at just 26 years old. Lauren was the definition of a fighter. After receiving a lifesaving heart transplant as a child and a kidney transplant from her mother in 2020, she chose to dedicate her life to serving others. A proud graduate of Albertus Magnus High School and Dominican University, Lauren became a tireless advocate for organ donation, helping pass Lauren's Law, which expanded New York's organ donor registry, before serving as a community and government affairs liaison at LiveOnNY. I had the privilege of knowing Lauren. I was proud to call her a friend. Even in passing, Lauren gave hope to others as a tissue donor. Today, thousands of Americans are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. Lauren's legacy reminds us that one decision can save lives and give families more time. I urge all of my colleagues and all Americans to consider registering as organ donors. My deepest condolences go out to Lauren's parents, Jeanne and David; her brother, Brandon; and all of her loved ones. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said: It is not length of life, but depth of life. In her short life, Lauren made the Hudson Valley and our country a better place. May she rest in peace. ____________________