Pete Stark: “I would add my congratulations and praise to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Slaughter) and the gentlewoman from…”

“I would add my congratulations and praise to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Slaughter) and the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert) for the work that they have done to bring this bill finally to the floor for passage. It is a bill that has languished for over a decade. It is good to see that times have changed. We moved expeditiously last year through three committees and on to the floor, and it will leave this chamber today and head to the White House for the President's signature. It is a small but long overdue step toward approving our health care system and preventing employment discrimination, and ensures that our laws governing patients' rights are as current as the latest medical technology. Simply stated, the legislation provides peace of mind, and encourages people to take advantage of the miracles of modern medicine without fear of reprisal or consequences at work or in health care or in qualifying for insurance. GINA, as it is known, prohibits insurers and employees from using the genetic information to discriminate.”