Thomas Daschle: “Mr. President, this week, we got our first glimpse of the first rough draft of the human genetic code. The…”

“Mr. President, this week, we got our first glimpse of the first rough draft of the human genetic code. The public-private partnership known as the Human Genome Project is the genetic equivalent of putting man on the moon. By decoding our genetic makeup, researchers may soon discover how to cure and even prevent heart disease, cancer, birth defects, and other serious medical conditions. We have every reason to be hopeful about this breakthrough. But we also have some reason to be concerned, because genetic information-- used improperly--can also cause great harm. Improvements in genetic testing can determine whether a person has an increased chance of developing breast cancer, or colon cancer, or some other serious illness--years before symptoms even appear. In the right hands, that information could save your life. In the wrong hands, that same information could be used to deny you insurance, a mortgage, or even a job. We need to make sure this new research--which has been funded largely by American taxpayers--is used to help America's families, not hurt them.”