WASHINGTON, DC (June 9, 2015) — Championed by the American Suntanning Association (ASA) and bolstered by new bipartisan efforts in Congress, U.S. Rep. George Holding (R-NC) on Tuesday introduced “The Tanning Tax Repeal Act of 2015” – legislation to repeal the 10 percent federal excise tax on indoor tanning services enacted in 2010.

HR 2698 is currently co-sponsored by 12 Republicans and two Democrats, and ASA continues to seek support from additional members of Congress. The bill has been referred to the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means for action.

This bill is the culmination of more than two years of ASA dedication to the effort, led by ASA President Bart Bonn, who has spent two weeks or more per month working in Washington, D.C. since the end of 2013. Bonn and ASA Legislative Director Whitney Tyler have attended several hundred meetings in the Capitol over that period, working to develop the bill and gather the support necessary to reach this point. They have gained bipartisan backing of the repeal effort by educating representatives on the devastating financial impact of the tax, its failure to generate projected revenue and the unfair manner in which it’s being levied.

Regardless of their political affiliations, members of Congress care about job creation and do not want to see people in their districts out of work. And, with more than five years having passed since the tax was implemented, there is no longer any question about its economic consequences.

The ASA is dedicated to supporting and defending the indoor tanning industry on all fronts. In addition to guiding this bill from its inception, the ASA represents the industry every day on issues involving the FDA, CDC, and state regulation, and engages in proactive efforts to promote the industry.

The ASA will continue to support the bill as it passes through the legislative process and keep you informed on its progress.