[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 70 (Tuesday, May 1, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E906]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           GENETIC INFORMATION NONDISCRIMINATION ACT OF 2007

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. JOE BARTON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 25, 2007

  Mr. BARTON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I want to commend the work of the 
Energy and Commerce Committee in making certain improvements to H.R. 
493. In particular, I note the inclusion of information on embryos, 
fetuses, and adopted children. I further note a clear statement that 
nothing affects claims processing and quality improvement activities 
and related items. Finally, I am happy that there is a provision for 
covered entities already subject to regulations governing personally 
identifiable health information.
  The primary author of the House bill, Ms. Slaughter, has stated:

       ``GINA prohibits group health plans and health insurers 
     from denying coverage to a healthy individual or charging 
     that person higher premiums based solely on a genetic 
     predisposition to develop a disease in the future. 
     Furthermore, it bars employers from using an individual's 
     genetic information when making hiring, firing, job placement 
     or promotion decisions.''

  That is the focus of this legislation. I expect the relevant Federal 
agencies will interpret this bill in light of the primary focus. GINA 
is a very complicated bill with a number of definitions capable of 
counterproductive readings. We have tried to improve the bill to reduce 
these problems. In the spirit of these efforts to improve the 
legislation I support its passage from the House and look forward to 
work in Conference.

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