Rep. Brett Hildabrand, R-Shawnee, introduced the measure in the House Committee on Federal and State Affairs last week to make Kansas a member of the Health Care Compact.

Eight states, including Missouri and Oklahoma, already have approved joining the compact, which seeks independence from the federal health care law.

The Shawnee Republican says he got the idea from an email conversation with Sen. Mary Pilcher-Cook, R-Shawnee, and Secretary of State Kris Kobach.

Congress must give permission for the states to suspend federal health care laws. Hildrabrand thinks that could happen if Republicans regain control of the U.S. Senate in November.