TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Senate has given first-round approval to a bill to bring the state into a compact with other states hoping to become exempt from the federal health care overhaul.

Senators advanced the measure on a voice vote Friday and planned to take another, final vote Friday night. If they approve it on final action, it will go to Gov. Sam Brownback because the House approved it last month.

The compact would let participating states remove themselves from all federal health regulations if Congress consents.

Many Republican lawmakers strongly oppose the federal health care law championed by Democratic President Barack Obama.

Critics call the bill symbolic and say Congress wouldn’t approve a compact.

A Texas-based group pushing the compact says eight other states have enacted similar laws.