In an effort to address the impending loss of jobs, hours and opportunities facing millions of Americans, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-3) voted in support of the Save American Workers Act which would repeal the 30-hour definition of “full-time employment” in the president’s health care law.

“Unless we stop the 30-hour rule in the president’s heath care law from moving forward, many Americans will see their hours cut and their full-time jobs become part-time jobs,” Luetkemeyer said. “The CBO scored this reduction in hours to the equivalent of 2.5 million employees losing their jobs. I thought the American dream was to have a job and by an individuals own effort be able to raise themselves up. The definition in this law puts another barrier in the way of every American to realize their dream. I was proud to cosponsor the Save American Workers Act and I’m pleased to see this bill pass in the House. It is my hope the Senate will put American workers first and restore the traditional 40-hour definition of full-time employment.”

On July 2, 2013, the Administration delayed the employer mandate, which includes the 30-hour work week, until 2015. Despite this delay, many businesses have started to respond and comply to the mandate. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce survey of small business executives, 71 percent say the health care law makes it harder to hire. Additionally, one-half of small businesses say they will cut hours to reduce full-time employees or replace full-time employees with part-timers to avoid the employer mandate.