Construction groups have pushed for years for legislation allowing small firms to join to buy health insurance. Bills passed the House but have repeatedly stalled in the Senate. Industry officials now see signs of hope with a Senate panel’s approval March 15 of a health plan bill. But the measure won no Democratic votes in committee and a floor battle is expected.
The bill, which the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee cleared on an 11-9, party-line vote, would let small companies join in a group health plan and thus cut the cost of coverage. Committee Chairman Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), the bill’s sponsor, says his panel’s action is “the first major step in 15 years to get affordable health insurance for small business and working families.”