Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas (file photo)

WASHINGTON (March 22, 2010)—Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, said Monday she’s joining Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., in an attempt to repeal the health care reform bill that the U.S. House sent to President Barack Obama Sunday night.

Mr. Obama is expected to sign the bill on Tuesday.

The one-sentence measure that DeMint will introduce says simply, “The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and the amendments made by that Act, are repealed.”

“While Democrats in Washington have shown a willful disregard for the views of their constituents, I’m proud to continue to stand with the millions who have spoken out in opposition to the government takeover of our healthcare system,” Hutchison said.

“In tough economic times, the last thing our nation needs is higher taxes, higher insurance premiums, and an unconstitutional power grab by the federal government.”

DeMint announced Sunday he would file legislation to repeal the bill.

"This bill is unconstitutional and it cannot be fixed. It must be repealed," he said.

"This arrogant power grab proves that the President and his party care more about government control than the will of the American people,” he said.

Meanwhile, debate is expected to begin as early as Tuesday in the Senate on a companion measure making a series of changes sought by House Democrats.

Republicans plan parliamentary objections that could change the bill and send it back to the House.