Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008

Floor Speech

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Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Senate amendment to H.R. 493, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act.

This bipartisan legislation is long overdue. Recent scientific breakthroughs in sequencing the human genetic code have already transformed the battle against a broad range of medical conditions. Scientists have now identified genetic markers for a variety of chronic health conditions which will increase the potential for early treatment and prevention. However, as much as these advances will improve health care delivery in this country, it has increased the potential for employers and insurers to discriminate based on an individual's genetic makeup. Such a threat deters the public and science from taking full advantage of the life-saving and cost-saving potential of genetic research.

That why we need to pass this much-needed bill. Discriminating against someone because of their DNA is simply unacceptable. Mr. Speaker, I urge colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation so that Americans do not have to live in fear of losing their job or health insurance because of their genetic predisposition towards certain medical conditions.

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