N.C. Representative Virginia Foxx chairs the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Credit: Office of Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.

Congress is considering a new bill that would make it easier for companies to gather genetic data from employees. The bill was introduced by North Carolina Representative Virginia Foxx.

Under the bill known as the Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act, employers could impose hefty penalties on workers who refuse genetic testing as part of company-sponsored wellness programs.

According to The New York Times, there is currently a federal law that prohibits discrimination by health insurers and employers based on information that people carry in their genes. One exception allows for employees to provide information as part of voluntary wellness programs, with no penalties if they opt out.

The bill proposed by Rep. Foxx, a Republican, would allow employers to impose penalties of up to 30 percent of the total cost of the employee’s health insurance for those who choose to keep the information private.

Foxx chairs the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Supporters say the bill promotes a healthy workforce and lowers health care costs.

A coalition of health and consumer advocates have come out against the legislation, saying it undermines federal privacy laws.