The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee passed legislation Wednesday to prevent discrimination by employers and insurance companies based on a person's genetic makeup. The legislation was approved 19-2 with no amendments in a brief committee meeting off the Senate floor.

The bill passed the full Senate unanimously during the 108th and 109th Congresses, but until now the Republican House leadership had stood in the way of the bill's passage. Following the turnover of power in both chambers of Congress, the legislation is expected to pass this year. President Bush has also said that he will sign the bill.

During Wednesday's hearing, Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., was alone in raising objections to the bill. In a statement, Coburn argued that the legislation would not prohibit discrimination against embryos that have been found to be at risk for disease through genetic testing prior to implantation.

During Wednesday's hearing, Coburn also protested that the legislation would have "all sorts of unintended consequences" for issues such as claims processing, medical records and information sharing with law enforcement.

Coburn added that he would place a hold on the bill if his objections are not resolved. Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., also voted against the bill.

Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Chairman Kennedy disputed Coburn's argument about the legislation's "unintended consequences," arguing that the bill is targeted to only affect insurers and employers.

An identical House version of the legislation, introduced by House Rules Chairwoman Slaughter has nearly 185 co-sponsors.