WASHINGTON, Oct.12--Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) today released the following statement from Kristen Swearingen, vice president of legislative & political affairs, following President Trump’s signing of an executive order to expand access to Association Health Plans (AHPs):

“Today’s executive order is a critical first step towards providing more affordable health care options and flexibility to small employers and their employees throughout the country. AHPs are a common-sense solution to lowering the cost of health care for hardworking Americans. Allowing small businesses to band together through bona fide trade associations to purchase health insurance will help level the playing field and lower insurance costs for small employers and the millions of Americans who have been unduly harmed by the Affordable Care Act. Associated Builders and Contractors looks forward to working with the administration to promote the expansion of AHPs and lower the cost of health care for our members.”