As previously reported, a House version of S. 1053, Senator Olympia Snowe’s bill that would ban employer and insurer genetic discrimination remains held up in a “textbook case of obstruction by inertia” (Hess, CongressDaily, 4/20/04). Both House Majority Leader Tom Delay (R-TX) and House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL) continue to hold up consideration of the Senate bill despite an appeal from Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) asking the House to adopt the Senate language and bring it to the floor for a vote in the waning days of the 107th Congress. The bill also faces stiff opposition from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other business groups.
There appears to be some movement, however. It is rumored that the House Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Employer-Employee Relations MAY be holding a hearing this Thursday, July 22, at 10:30 a.m.
The promise of genetic medicine is far-reaching, but its most power potential impact is on personal health and well-being. When people refuse to be tested, or are tested using an alias or other device which keeps the results of their medical records, they lose the benefit of more complete medical histories.
For almost eight years genetic non-discrimination legislation has floundered. This may be our last opportunity in 2004 to force Congress’ hand. I encourage you to write (via facsimile) a letter to Chairman Sam Johnson, and Ranking Member, Robert Andrews, asking that S. 1053 be voted out of committee and brought to the floor for a vote before the end of this year. A list of Subcommittee members is below.
Remember, the ultimate authority of the U.S. Congress to act resides in you.
Thank you.
Diane
Diane E. Dorman, Vice President for Public Policy
National Organization for Rare Disorders, DC Office
1050 17th St., NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone/202.496.1296 ext. 3014; Cell/202.258.6457
