Legislation passed in the House of Representatives designed to eliminate the "Cadillac tax" on health care plans marks an important step toward eliminating a painful tax that would take money out of the pockets of hardworking men and women while hollowing out the quality health care plans they’ve earned.

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said "this tax was ill-conceived from the beginning, putting an undue burden on 181 million American workers who earn their health benefits on the job. It’s clear that this tax was driving employers to reduce the health care benefits they provide, making medical care less affordable and creating serious access barriers for millions of workers."

"It’s shameful that health care is still out of reach for so many," he said. "The Senate should follow suit in passing this bill, and the president should support working families by signing it. Then we can continue the march toward an America where health care is a right for every person."