Cliff Stearns: “Let me also congratulate the authors of the bill and the fine work that they have done. We have had a hearing in Energy…”

“Let me also congratulate the authors of the bill and the fine work that they have done. We have had a hearing in Energy and Commerce, where I serve, but I thought I would just follow up a little bit on what the gentleman from Louisiana talked about, a little bit about the preemption. Madam Speaker, I think almost everybody in this House is for genetic protection from genetic discrimination. There have been many bills over the years that Ms. Slaughter has worked on. I think she indicated she has worked on it for 12 years. I compliment her on her perseverance. Sometimes it takes that kind of conscientiousness to get anything accomplished here. The fact we are able to get this today is a success story. In fact, the President has indicated, I think nationally, that he would like to sign this bill. So it is on a fast track, and I am sure that we won't have any trouble in the suspension passing it. But one significant concern that I bring to the attention of my colleagues is a Federal preemption. I mention this as perhaps, as the Senate and the House come together, they can solve this problem. So I will continue to talk about it.”