WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives has passed H.R. 660, the “Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2003,” legislation authorizing the formation and multi-state operation of federally certified association health plans (AHPs). The AHP Bill, sponsored by Reps. Ernie Fletcher (R-Ky.), Nydia Velazquez (D-N.Y.), Sam Johnson (R-Texas), Cal Dooley (D-Calif.), and 159 additional co-sponsors, prevailed on a vote of 262 to 162 in which 36 Democrats joined 226 Republicans in support.
“Today’s action by the House successfully concludes the first chapter in what can be a very good story for the nation’s smaller employers and their workers,” said Jade West, senior vice president-government relations of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW). “A tough battle lies ahead in the Senate, but the solid bipartisan vote achieved in the House should help build positive momentum there.”