[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 2, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E925]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           GENETIC INFORMATION NONDISCRIMINATION ACT OF 2007

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 25, 2007

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of 
the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act.
  I am a cosponsor of this important legislation, which bans 
discrimination in the workplace and in health insurance on the basis of 
predictive genetic information. It prohibits insurance companies from 
denying coverage or increasing premiums because of genetic factors. 
Also, under this bill, employers cannot consider genetic factors in the 
process of hiring, firing, or promoting workers. H.R. 493 is much like 
a Minnesota law, which I voted for when I was a member of the Minnesota 
House of Representatives.
  Genetic discrimination has the potential to affect every person in 
the United States. Despite advances in modern medical technology, it is 
impossible to predict with certainty whether a given individual will 
actually develop a disease. Patients recognize that few laws exist to 
prevent health insurers or employers from using their predictive 
genetic information to deny them coverage or jobs. As a result, they 
may avoid taking an important genetic test or participating in genetic 
research.
  Federal employees are already protected from genetic discrimination 
by an executive order signed by President Clinton and retained by 
President Bush. It is time to extend this protection to the rest of our 
country.
  H.R. 493 will give Americans the security they need to take care of 
their health needs without worrying that they will face discrimination. 
I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.

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