As the health care debate enters its possible final days, HARDI is among those asking Congress to remove a provision targeting small construction companies.

When the U.S. Senate passed its health care reform bill in late 2009, it exempted small businesses with fewer than 50 employees from coverage mandates, except for those in construction, where the threshold is five workers. The Heating, Airconditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International says this provision was inserted to favor unionized workers, and co-signed a March 8 letter to House members asking for its removal. The Air Conditioning Contractors of America, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association and the National Roofing Contractors Association also signed the letter.

The group fears the rules could also affect its small-member wholesaler companies. In addition, HARDI said it remains opposed to all versions of health care reform that have passed Congress so far.

A House vote on health care legislation could happen as soon as Thursday.