Never used breaking before (I don't think), but due to the tireless effort of many of our legislators (Slaughter and Kennedy not least among them), the Genetic Information NonDiscrimination Act passed today, 95-0.
This act will make it illegal for employers and insurance companies to use personal genomic information for hiring, insurance pricing or acceptance purposes. Nor will these companies be allowed to require genomic testing for employment or insurance.
This act has had a long history, passing before only to be held up for various reasons.
It passed the House on March 5, 2008 by a vote of 264 - 148. Now the Senate by 95-0.
This is a momentous day. It will not solve the health care problem this nation is facing, but it does limit one possible huge problem health care insurance faces.
People can now be able to obtain genomic information about their health in the future without worry about possible employment or insurance ramifications.
Major kudos go to several people and organizations for getting this passed.
The Genetic Alliance
The Coalition for Genetic Fairness
Rep. Louise Slaughter
Francis Collins
and many others.
Thank you!
At least we have a little good news on the health front.
Now, it's up to President Bush to sign (which he has said he would).