Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) of 2008

Information for Researchers and Health Care Professionals
A fact sheet from NHGRI and the Department of Health and Human Services that explains the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) so that investigators and researchers can understand the law and its prohibitions related to discrimination in health coverage and employment based on genetic information.

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Legislative History

President Bush Signs Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008

Washington, Wed., May 21 2008 — The President has signed into law the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) that will protect Americans against discrimination based on their genetic information when it comes to health insurance and employment. The bill had passed the Senate unanimously and the House by a vote of 414 to 1. The long-awaited measure, which has been debated in Congress for 13 years, will pave the way for people to take full advantage of the promise of personalized medicine without fear of discrimination.

 

Read more: President Bush Signs H.R. 493, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008
[georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov]

 

The history of GINA's passage through the legislative process, 2007-2008, can be tracked on this page.

 

Legislative Chronology

House Resolution (H.R.) 493: The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007 [thomas.loc.gov]

All Actions (All links are on Thomas.loc.gov, the legislative information resource from the Library of Congress):

2007

2008

• • January 16, 2007: Introductory remarks on measure: Hon. Louise M. Slaughter
  • January 16, 2007: Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • January 16, 2007: Referred to House Education and Labor
    • February 14, 2007: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
    • February 14, 2007: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote
  • January 16, 2007: Referred to House Energy and Commerce
  • January 16, 2007: Referred to House Ways and Means
  • January 18, 2007: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health
  • March 5, 2007 at 3:47p.m.: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Labor. H. Rept. 110-28, Part I
  • March 5, 2007 at 3:48 p.m.: House Committee on Energy and Commerce Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than March 23, 2007
  • March 5, 2007 at 3:49 p.m.: House Committee on Ways and Means Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than March 23, 2007.
  • March 21, 2007: House committee/subcommittee actions: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote
  • March 26, 2007: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 110-28, Part II.
  • March 29, 2007: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 110-28, Part III.
  • March 29, 2007: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 46.
    The Union Calendar is the list of bills available for consideration to the Committee of the Whole. Bills are referred to the Union Calendar if they directly or indirectly deal with money.
  • April 25, 2007: House passes act.
  • May 1, 2008: Introduced in House
  • May 1, 2008: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote. (Statement from Francis Collins)
  • May 1, 2008: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Received in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
  • May 21, 2008: President Bush Signs H.R. 493, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008

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Senate Bill (S.) 358: The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007 [thomas.loc.gov]

All Actions (All links are on Thomas.loc.gov, the legislative information resource from the Library of Congress):

2008

• • January 22, 2007: Introductory remarks on measure : Sen. Olympia J. Snowe
  • January 22, 2007: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  • January 31, 2007: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
  • March 29, 2007: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Reported by Senator Kennedy with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
  • March 29, 2007: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 97.
  • April 10, 2007: By Senator Kennedy from Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions filed written report. Report No. 110-48
  • April 24, 2008: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 95 - 0. Record Vote Number: 113.
  • May 5, 2008: Resolving differences — House actions: On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 414 - 1 (Roll no. 234).
  • May 5, 2008: Cleared for White House.
  • May 21, 2008: President Bush Signs H.R. 493, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008