A genetic nondiscrimination bill that has been held up for months could receive a Senate vote as early as Wednesday. Negotiators today are putting the finishing touches on an agreement that responds to some GOP lawmakers’ objections. Majority Leader Reid put in a request this morning to “hotline” the bill, running it past Senate offices to see whether any senator objects. Its sponsors have requested two hours of debate before a final vote, which would occur after lawmakers vote on a pay-discrimination measure.
Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., has been the linchpin in the most recent talks on the genetics bill, and he has lured 10 other Republicans into blocking the measure until his concerns are resolved. Coburn has been negotiating with the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, on issues such as privacy protections, underwriting, and a “firewall” between employers and insurers’ liability. The bill would make it illegal to deny insurance or employment to people based on their genetic information. Similar language has passed the Senate twice on overwhelming margins. The House passed a genetics discriminating bill last year, but the legislation never made it to conference.
This article appeared in the Saturday, April 26, 2008 edition of National Journal Daily.
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