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

The House’s voice vote Friday advanced the measure to another that is expected Monday. That final action will determine whether the bill goes to the Senate.

The measure also would let participating states remove themselves from other federal health regulations if Congress consents.

Many Republican lawmakers strongly oppose the federal health care law championed by Democratic President Barack Obama and see it as intrusive and burdensome.

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

A Texas-based group is pushing the compact and says eight other states have enacted similar laws, including Missouri.