Clinton Acts to Bar Genetic Test Bias

President Clinton plans to sign an executive order barring federal agencies from discriminating against workers on the basis of genetic tests, a step prompted by fears about rapid advances in scientific research. The order echoes a bill sponsored by Sens. Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) and Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) barring employers from refusing to hire people at risk for health problems and insurers from refusing to sell them coverage. Congressional officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that Clinton would announce his decision today. White House aides declined to comment.