WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement regarding the House of Representatives' vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act:

"The American people are looking to Washington for solutions to grow our economy and make America more competitive.  Instead, Republicans in the House of Representatives have chosen to vote to repeal individuals' freedom, control and choice in health care decisions.

"Despite false and confusing rhetoric, the Affordable Care Act supports job growth. Since its passage, more than 1.1 million jobs have been created in the private sector.  In fact, job growth has accelerated every quarter in 2010.  The reforms included in the ACA will reduce the burden of health care costs on businesses, allowing them to be more competitive in the global market.  These reforms will continue to support a stronger labor market and the broader recovery in 2011 and beyond.

"Repealing health reform represents a step backwards for our nation, at a critical time when we need to be focusing our energies on moving our economy and our nation forward."

SOURCE U.S. Department of Labor