Statement of U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao On Passage of Association Health Plan Legislation in House of Representatives

Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.

WASHINGTON - Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today released the following statement upon passage of Association Health Plan legislation in the House of Representatives:

"This is a big win for small business workers who comprise more than 60% of the uninsured. It will create a level playing field and give small businesses the same benefits of administrative savings, negotiating clout, and uniform regulation enjoyed by large businesses and labor unions.

"I want to commend the House Education and the Workforce Committee on passage of the Small Business Health Fairness Act (H.R. 525) to create Association Health Plans and help make health insurance more affordable for millions of America's workers and their families.

"The President and I are committed to increasing access to affordable, quality health benefits. Association Health Plans will provide more choices, increase access to quality care and reduce the cost of health coverage. The legislation also contains strong protections to deter fraud so benefits will be available when workers need them.

"I applaud the bipartisan leadership of Congressman John Boehner (R-OH), Congressman Sam Johnson (R-TX), Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez (D-NY) and Congressman Albert Wynn (D-MD) for assuring expedited consideration of this much-needed legislation. I urge the full House to act swiftly in passing the bill in order to make health care coverage a reality for millions more American workers and their families."

Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.