[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 118 (Wednesday, September 20, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1773]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  INTRODUCTION OF TAXPAYER PROTECTION FROM GENETIC DISCRIMINATION ACT

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                             HON. RON PAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 20, 2006

  Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce the Taxpayer 
Protection from Genetic Discrimination Act. This bill ensures that no 
American taxpayer will be denied health care because of his or her 
genetic history by any agency of the federal government, a state or 
local government, or a government contractor. Some people have raised 
concerns that, while recent advances in genetic testing bring much hope 
of improved medical treatment, the increased use of genetic tests may 
also result in many people being denied access to health insurance, or 
even refused employment, because of their genetic history.
  I recently met with some of my constituents who are concerned that 
people with polycentric kidney disease, which can be identified with a 
genetic test, often lose their insurance coverage because their 
insurance companies or employers discover they have polycentric kidney 
disease. Whatever long-term reforms designed to address this problem 
one favors, I hope that all my colleagues could agree that Congress 
should make sure that American citizens are not forced to subsidize 
government agencies or contractors who deny health insurance based on 
someone's genetic profile. I therefore hope all my colleagues support 
the Taxpayer Protection from Genetic Discrimination Act.

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