[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 90 (Tuesday, June 18, 1996)]
[House]
[Pages H6435-H6436]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   BEIJING'S RADIOACTIVE RACKETEERING

  (Mr. MARKEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. MARKEY. China is an atomic Al Capone with a radioactive 
racketeering rap sheet a mile long.
  Each passing day brings new details about Beijing's illegal nuclear 
proliferation activities. China sold ring magnets to Pakistan that are 
important in the production of material for nuclear weapons. China sold 
cruise missiles to Iran which can be used to deliver nuclear weapons. 
China sold nuclear-capable M-11 missiles to Pakistan that now may be 
assembled and ready to go. Just last week, media reports indicated that 
the missiles were probably ready to be fitted with nuclear warheads.
  Beijing's response to American inquiries about its illegal transfers 
can be summed up by 3 words: Obfuscate and proliferate.
  China's rulers have provided plenty of well-timed nods, winks, 
private toasts, clarifications, and assurances. But they continue to 
sell sophisticated nuclear weapon-related equipment to the world's 
troublemakers.
  If China wants to be the international Kmart for nuclear weapons, 
then the United States needs to tell them that they have to shop other 
places in this would if they want American goods.

[[Page H6436]]



        NEW JERSEY'S NEW GENETIC ANTIDISCRIMINATION LEGISLATION

  (Ms. SLAUGHTER asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to read today that the New 
Jersey Legislature approved legislation to prohibit health insurance 
companies from discriminating against consumers based on their genetic 
information.
  This bill was passed unanimously, showing the broad, bipartisan 
consensus on the need for the legislation.
  On the Federal level, I have introduced comprehensive legislation to 
ban discrimination in health insurance.
  No one, Mr. Speaker, should be punished for simply having the genes 
they inherited.
  We are already hearing terrible stories about people denied coverage 
for genetic disorders because of preexisting conditions.
  Our understanding of genetics and the role they play in disease are 
progressing at breakneck speed, especially through programs like the 
Human Genome Project.

  We have identified genes associated with breast cancer, cystic 
fibrosis, Alzheimer's, and, most recently, skin cancer.
  Our lives must keep pace to protect consumers from the abuse of 
personal information and that protection should be nationwide.
  Therefore, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2847, cosponsored in 
the Senate by Senator Snowe of Maine.

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