The Associated Builders and Contractors was among those applauding the July 11 U.S. House vote to repeal the health care reform law.

“We are extremely pleased that a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives reaffirmed its commitment to fight against this wildly unpopular takeover of our nation’s health care system,” said ABC Vice President of Government Affairs Geoff Burr. “This law increases taxes on employers and employees, and drives up health care costs for everyone by increasing insurance premiums while reducing benefits.”

The Republican-controlled house voted 244-185 to repeal the law, with all GOP members supporting overturning it. All but five Democrats opposed the measure. 

Earlier this month, the U.S. Supreme Court narrowly upheld the law, which centers on a requirement that almost all Americans carry health insurance or pay a penalty. Critics have said that’s an unconstitutional overreach of government power.

Yesterday’s vote was one of dozens in the last two years attempting to overturn the law or cut funding for it. The bill is not expected to advance in the Senate, which is under Democratic control.

“We call on the Senate to find the courage to follow today’s action in the House and repeal the entire health care law,” Burr said. “It’s time for Congress to consider practical, common-sense solutions, such as allowing Americans to buy insurance across state lines, offering small-business health plans, expanding access to health-savings accounts and making benefits portable in order to reflect the unique nature of the construction industry work force.”