House prepares for health votes Tuesday afternoon

The House convened briefly at 2 p.m., heard three five minute speeches, then adjourned until 4 p.m., when it will take up two non-controversial bills. The first, H.R. 525, aims to increase the number of people in veterinary health services, and the second, H.R. 570, would make dental health a component of the national health security strategy.

Off the floor, House and Senate leaders continue to argue over how to fund FY 2011 spending. The Senate is expected to hold at least one vote Tuesday afternoon on H.R. 1, the House-passed spending bill. But Senate votes are seen as a prelude to more negotiations.

House leaders in contrast, are already doing some work on another short-term bill in case an agreement for the rest of FY 2011 cannot be reached by March 18.