The tan tax moved one step closer to being repealed Wednesday, as the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee approved the Republican healthcare bill that would abolish the tax. The American Healthcare Act was passed out of committee along party lines, with all Republican members in favor of the bill and all Democrats opposed.

The repeal of the tan tax was a contentious topic in the committee’s lengthy debate over the healthcare bill. Democrats opposed the bill and the tan tax repeal specifically, citing the anticipated revenue that would be lost. Republicans spoke in favor of the repeal of the tax, focusing on the businesses and jobs lost due to the financial strain it has placed on tanning businesses. Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.) also voiced concern that the tax is unfair because it disproportionally impacts women.

“Whoever decided to impose this tax seven years ago, before I was here, I’d be quite curious of why did they just randomly pick this tax to have it paid for on the backs of so many females,” Smith said. “When you just look at the facts, roughly 80 percent of the individuals who are burdened with this tax are females. It looks like an interesting target, which I think is inappropriate.”

The entire discussion on the tan tax from the hearing can be viewed here, starting at 9:10. Click here for more coverage on statements made in support and opposition of the repeal of the tax.

Now, the bill must receive a majority vote in the House of Representatives before it goes to a vote in the Senate and is sent to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

The American Suntanning Association will continue their efforts to educate policymakers throughout the remainder of this process.