House accepts two more healthcare amendments

At about 10 p.m. Friday, the House concluded a series of votes in which it accepted two key healthcare amendments to the FY 2011 spending bill, as well as an amendment limiting renovations at the United Nations.

The House accepted an amendment from Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.) that says no funds in the bill can be used to enforce the medical loss ratio requirement in the healthcare law. This was accepted in a 241-185 vote.

The House also accepted an amendment from Rep. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) that bars salaries to HHS employees developing regulations on insurance exchanges. This was accepted in a 241-184 vote.

Members also voted to prevent funds from being used to require reporting to the Justice Department of multiple rifle or shotgun sales to the same person. And, the House accepted language preventing certain renovations at the United Nations.

The House rejected language aimed at blocking new offshore leases to oil companies that are not paying royalties to the U.S. for their existing operations. Also rejected were amendments aimed at limiting farm subsidy payments, reducing U.S. forces in Europe, and blocking funds to make certain repairs at the White House.